Ntsebeng Motsoeli MASERU — The Ministry of Labour and Employment on Friday held a memorial service for four Basotho mine workers who were killed when South African police shot at striking miners at Lonmin Platinum mine three weeks ago.
The bodies of Janeveke Liau, Telang Molai, Molefi Ntsoele and Khanare Monese arrived from South Africa on Friday. The four are from Likolobeng in Roma, Lithoteng in Maseru, Borepala in Semonkong and Baroeng in Butha-Buthe respectively.
Speaking during the service Prime Minister Thomas Thabane said the deaths were a great loss to their families and the country. Thabane said the deaths have added to the growing number of orphans and widows in Lesotho.
“We are saddened by the deaths. Mostly affected are family members who have lost their loved ones and probably their sole breadwinners. “Now they are devastated because their loved ones are gone. “We are very sorry about their sudden death. I appeal to Basotho to assist these families in any way they can,” Thabane said.
“What has happened is tragic. It is a big loss. Life is full of misfortunes. “This is one of them.
“Let’s not blame one another. Let’s wait patiently for findings of the commission of inquiry that President Jacob Zuma has set to get to the truth of what really happened. Then we can start to blame who has been found guilty and warn them never to repeat what they did,” he said.
Zuma last week set up a commission of inquiry to investigate the events that led to the killing of the 34 miners.
At least 70 others were injured in the shoot-out. Thabane said it was imperative that the South African and Lesotho governments train their armed officers not to be trigger-happy. “Our officers should be trained not to be quick on pulling the trigger,” he said. Labour Minister Lebesa Maloi said it is going to be hard for the family members of the killed miners to come to terms with their loss.
“These men provided for their families. It is going to be tough for their families to meet their needs without their assistance. We appeal that all their due benefits be paid immediately so that children can be taken care of,” Maloi said.
South Africa’s Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said his government is sorry about the deaths.
“We cannot even look the family members of the deceased in the eyes. When their loved ones left to work in the mines they had hopes for better lives, development and a good future. No one hopes for death,” Motsoaledi said.
He said that Zuma was deeply hurt by the deaths. “President Zuma said that labour disputes have always occurred and will probably continue to occur in future. He wants to know why this one led to so many deaths. He set up a Commission of Inquiry to understand what happened,” he said.
Lonmin mine representative, Lefulesele Sootho, said the mine was in talks with workers’ unions and government to agree on the compensation for the deceased. “The mine management is deeply touched by these deaths,” he said. Mofihli Ntsoele, whose brother died in the tragedy, said they were struggling to come to terms with their relative’s death.
“It is even harder to accept when the one you love died like this.
“They were not ill. We did not get to take care of them in the moments that led to their deaths,” Ntsoele said. Liau, Molai and Monesa were expected to be buried yesterday at their homes. Ntsoele will be buried on Saturday.