End of Search for Bodies at Ha-Katse
PRESS RELEASE
Maseru - 25 June 2003
The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority called off the search for the missing bodies of the boat accident at Katse on Tuesday 17th June 2003 at 16:30 HRS.
The decision was taken after consultations with the Project Authorities, the Government and the families of the two missing persons.
The accident occurred at Katse reservoir in between Ha Paepae and Ha Kennan in July 2002 when a boat ferrying seven passengers overturned as a result of bad weather of heavy winds which caused waves that made it difficult for the operator to reach his intended destination. The boat belonged to Molotjane Ralekau.
Preliminary findings of the cause of accident reveal that the boat designed to carry 5 passengers was at the time of accident ferrying seven passengers and two of them who incidentally happen to be missing and are presumed dead, did not have their life jackets on.
The Chief Executive of the LHDA was in the entourage made up of the Principal Chief of Leribe, the District Secretary of Leribe, the representative of the member of Parliament for the Malibamatso constituency and other Senior Officers from Lesotho Mounted Police Services and the LHDA that visited the bereaved families on Thursday 19th June 2003. The purpose of the visit was to offer them words of comfort over the tragic loss of their loved ones.
The visit is regarded as having achieved the intended goal and discussions were conducted in a cordial manner. The LHDA made a contribution of eight thousand Maloti (M8,000.00) per family to assist in making arrangements for ritual ceremonies. However, this is a once off gesture which should NOT be seen as COMPENSATION and or setting a precedence.
Both the bereaved families of Mojapela and Ralekau were happy that the matter will be put to rest and traditional rituals will be performed so that the souls of their departed can finally rest peacefully.
END ............ 25 June, 2003
For more information please contact LHDA Public Relations Branch at Tel. 22313830