Memorial Held for Victims of Tragic Accident in Lesotho

The Africa South Area Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released the following statement.

It is with much sadness that we share the names of the 10 Latter-day Saints from the Maputsoe Lesotho Branch and their two drivers who passed away in the tragic multi-vehicle accident on Saturday, June 21, 2025, near Maputsoe while traveling to a Church Young Women activity. Government authorities have positively identified each person.

• Sebongile Bongi Moteletsane, female, 12
• Nthabiseng Motabola, female, 13
• Lerato Lets’ase, female, 14
• Masechaba Komane, female, 15
• Nthabeleng Francina Lebina, female, 15
• Omphile Denise Lephakha, female, 16
• Realeboha Matsau, female, 16
• Nthabiseng Posholi, female, 24 (branch Young Women president)
• Sharin Molaoa Lieketso, female, 24, (branch Young Women presidency counselor)
• Tephane Victor Mokhakala, male, 28
•  Poloko Sekhonyana, male, 33 
• Mokhethi Molateli, female, 33 (wife of the branch president)
• Daniel Molateli, male, 35 (branch president)
• Majobo Agie Moteletsane, female, 39

The Church also sends its deepest sympathies to the families of the two victims who were in the other vehicle, and our prayers are with them.

A memorial service was held yesterday, Wednesday, July 16, 2025, to honor and pay tribute to the deceased.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will hold a joint funeral service on Saturday, July 19, 2025, open to all. Individual graveside services will follow, according to the families’ wishes.

The Church of Jesus Christ continues to provide help and support to the families of all involved.

We extend our love and heartfelt condolences to the families and friends who are grieving. We honor the lives of those who have passed and pray that all may feel the comforting peace and healing power of our Savior Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow.

We are grateful for the love and concern from people around the world for all who are affected by this tragedy. We look to our faith in the Savior Jesus Christ, who can heal our broken hearts.

Our thoughts and prayers are also with our dear friends who were injured and are now on the path to recovery. We pray for their healing, strength, and comfort.

Africa South Area Presidency

Carlos A. Godoy
Denelson Silva
Vaiangina Sikahema

Memorial Service Held in Lesotho to Honor Lives Lost in Tragic Accident

A memorial service was held on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, in honor of the Latter-day Saints who lost their lives in the tragic accident that occurred on June 21 in northern Lesotho. The gathering brought together grieving families, dignitaries, Church leaders, government representatives and members of the community.

Family members and friends shared heartfelt tributes about their loved ones, reflecting on their faith, love, and cherished memories. In solemn moments, families and friends embraced, comforted and strengthened one another. Each speaker offered messages of hope, drawing on the scriptures and consoling words that brought solace and peace to many in attendance.

One of the young women who survived the accident bore a powerful and heartfelt testimony, declaring, “I know that God is here with us even in this saddest moment because He loves us.”

Dignitaries and government officials from the Kingdom of Lesotho were also present and shared words of comfort and support. Their presence and remarks reflected the unity and compassion that have poured out from across the nation in the wake of the tragedy.