Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane has guaranteed the families of over 30 deceased illegal miners of Matšekheng, Berea who died at the closed mine in South Africa, that the Lesotho government will facilitate the repatriation process of those bodies to their families. Prime Minister made the remarks when conveying his condolences to the families of the deceased during his visit staged at Bela-Bela Principal Chief’s premises on Thursday.His visit follows an incidence in which the reports indicate that the deceased miners lost their lives after the two explosions which happened underground of one of the closed mines at Virginia, Welkom in May. Mr. Matekane said the tragedy has left the country in shock of losing such youths, adding that the most painful issue is that such incidence has affected members of one region of Matškheng. He further assured that the government will facilitate the issues of conducting the DNA tests as some bodies have lost shape and features before the bodies can be handed over to their families.

Prime Minister highlighted that it is painful that such people have left the country with intention to support their families and are now leaving behind their new families.  Mr Matekane stressed that what God has planned what no one can change and as a result encouraged the families to accept adding that the government will be supportive to the bereaved until final stage.
Sharing the same sentiments, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations Mr. Lejone Mpotjoane said it is sad that lack of jobs and opportunities has caused most Basotho to cross the borders seeking means of living and encountering such different accidents along the way.

Mr. Mpotjoane also assured the families of the deceased that they are collaborating with their South African counterparts to ensure the smooth facilitation of the process of retrieving the bodies.