The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has identified the youth and their leaders killed in a tragic multi-vehicle accident in the African nation of Lesotho on June 21 while traveling to a church Young Women activity.
Local leaders held a memorial service Wednesday to honor and pay tribute to the deceased. A joint funeral service will be held on Saturday with individual graveside services to follow.
“We extend our love and heartfelt condolences to the families and friends who are grieving,” wrote Elder Carlos A. Godoy, president of the South Africa Area presidency, and his counselors, Elder Denelson Silva and Elder Vaiangina Sikahema, in a statement released on ChurchofJesusChrist.org. “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.”
In addition to the 12 youth, leaders and drivers, three individuals in another car also died, for a total of 15 deaths from the tragic accident.
Six additional youth and leaders remain hospitalized. Eleven others are home and recovering from injuries sustained in the crash, according to the Church News.
“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,” wrote the Africa South Area presidency.
The accident occurred near Maputsoe, Lesotho, while traveling to a church youth activity. Government authorities have positively identified each person.
- Sebongile Bongi Moteletsane, female, 12 (in other vehicle)
- 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 (in other vehicle)
- Itumeleng Ntoane, 45 (driver of other vehicle)
The church in Lesotho
The church has 1,890 members who are part of six congregations in Lesotho, a country located in Southern Africa. The church also runs two family history centers in the nation.
Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles posted condolences on social media after the tragic accident.
“Melanie and I were incredibly saddened to learn of the unimaginable loss from the tragic accident that occurred during a youth activity in Lesotho,” wrote Elder Rasband.
“Having spent time with the outstanding members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in this wonderful country, we love them deeply.”
Latter-day Saint expatriates first lived in Lesotho in the 1980s. The church’s first branch — the Maseru Branch — was organized in the nation during a meeting attended by 15 people in July 1988.
The Church of Jesus Christ was registered in July 1989 and the first missionaries entered in September, according to ChurchofJesusChrist.org. “As the branch grew, facilities were rented in a local school. Later a home was purchased to be remodeled into a church building.”
The church launched Seminary — religious education for young people ages 14-18 — in the early 1990s. And the first full-time missionary from Lesotho began serving in Durban, South Africa, in 1993.
On Feb. 18, 1996, members from Lesotho were among some 5,000 Latter-day Saints who attended a large religious conference in Johannesburg , South Africa — the largest church gathering assembled to this point in South Africa.