Maseru __ The Prime Minister Mr. Ntsokoane Matekane says the newly donated agricultural equipment from the People's Republic of China will go a long way in eradicating hunger and poverty as well as creating jobs.

This he said at the handing over ceremony held at Ha Foso on Friday and the equipment included five combine harvesters, eight tractors, 25 small harvesters, 10 stationary threshers and 100 two-wheel tractors.

Mr. Matekane said the equipment will not only reach farmers in the lowlands but also those in the highlands, urging them to take advantage of current rains and engage in summer cropping to promote food production.

He also appealed to the nation to take care of the equipment, pledging the government commitment in developing the lives of Basotho.

When handing over the equipment, China Ambassador to Lesotho Mr. Yang Xiaokun expressed hope that the equipment will soon be dispatched to Lesotho farmers, adding that he is looking forward to sharing the country's happiness and success in food produced by this equipment in particular maize, sorghum, and wheat.

He reminded that China will soon hand over the newly constructed food storage based at Ha Foso, mentioning other significant projects implemented by China in the country.

He also said the Lesotho-China partnership continues to hold tremendous potential and promote prospects for the future, indicating that both countries share traditional friendship and have been supporting each other on major concerns.

" We cherish our friendship and honour our commitment" he stressed, adding that China remains a good friend and partner of Lesotho.

Speaking at the same event, the Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition Mr. Thabo Mofosi said the equipment will go a long way in promoting food production.

He added that this valuable support came at a crucial time when the country is striving to combat hunger and poverty.

On the other hand, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations Mr. Lejone Mpotjoane said the donation is a catalyst for transformation and marks a milestone in promoting food security, adding that it came at a time when Lesotho is transforming its agricultural sector.

Meanwhile, as part of the event, the Minister of Agriculture and Chinese Ambassador signed a partnership between the two countries.

The agricultural equipment costs M36 Million.

David Horne, managing director of LNER, thanked emergency service workers "for their quick and professional response" and said the company and staff were "deeply shocked and saddened" by the incident.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected, particularly our colleague who remains in a life-threatening condition, and their family," he said.

"I would also like to recognise the driver, crew and our operational response colleagues for their bravery and quick actions."

Amira Ostalski was on the train with a friend when she saw a person stabbed by a man carrying what appeared to be a large kitchen knife.

"It was like he had a mission to stab anyone he saw right in front of him," she said.

"There was blood everywhere - people were screaming, 'he's got a knife'."

Ms Ostalski said she witnessed someone being stabbed "five or six rows" from her, adding: "I could have been next. People were getting trampled on.

"It was a very busy train, so people were just trying to run away from the attacker, and people were falling, and people were standing on them. It was horrible."

After the conductor managed to open a door at the station, people began to flee.

"I don't think I'll be able to sit on a train anymore," Ms Ostalski added