Updated: June 23, 2025
A minibus carrying young women, ages 12-17, and leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was traveling to an activity in Maseru, Lesotho, when they were involved in a three-vehicle collision on Saturday, June 21, 2025. The vehicles caught fire, resulting in the loss of lives, including 10 Latter-day Saints, all from the Maputsoe congregation in Northern Lesotho. Nearly a dozen and a half others sustained injuries.
Regional leader Elder Siyabonga Mkhize, an Area Seventy, says Church members are rallying around those individuals and families impacted by the tragic accident.
“It has been a difficult moment, but we are encouraged by their faith, their strength, and of course, the healing that some are already experiencing through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.”
Nelly Makatleho Moorosi, the Church’s Lesotho national communication director, attended the Maputsoe congregation accompanied by members of parliament on Sunday, June 22.
“It was a very heavy moment on Sunday when we had family members with us, and of course, us as members who knew [the victims]. We had relationships with them as brothers and sisters.”
“Two speakers gave talks that were solemn and comforting to all of us who have been affected by this. It was a very [tender-hearted] moment where the spirit prevailed. Even two parliament members shared their spiritual thoughts [with the congregation].”
Elder Mkhize emphasized that overwhelming support and condolences have been widespread.
“The government of Lesotho has also been very supportive, and the prime minister and the Queen passed messages of condolences and offered their help to all affected.”
“The Church is providing spiritual, emotional and temporal support to those impacted by this tragedy, and we are working closely with the Government of Lesotho to coordinate care for the injured. In addition, we are offering logistical assistance to ensure that families are able to visit their loved ones who are currently hospitalized,” said Elder Mkhize.
In a social media post over the weekend, Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said, “Our faith points us to seek peace in Jesus Christ as we strive to minister to these families in their time of need.”
Original Article: June 21, 2025
It is with deep sorrow that we share news of a tragic accident involving a minibus carrying young women and local Church leaders en route to a youth activity in the Kingdom of Lesotho. The vehicle was involved in a multi-vehicle collision, resulting in the loss of several lives and injuries to others.
The Africa South Area Presidency issued the following message after the incident:
“Our hearts are heavy, and we are saddened by this tragic accident. We extend our love and heartfelt condolences to the many families and friends who have been impacted by this tragedy. We mourn the lives of those who have passed, and we pray that we may all feel the love, peace and healing power of the Lord Jesus Christ, during this difficult time.”
Carlos A. Godoy
Denelson Silva
Vaiangina Sikahema
Church leaders are actively ministering to the affected individuals and families, offering spiritual and emotional support, as well as coordinating care for the injured. We are grateful for the swift response of emergency services and the ongoing assistance from local authorities.