Thousands gather for funeral of LDS Church members killed in Lesotho crash

MAPUTSOE, Lesotho (ABC4) — Around 3,000 people gathered at the Maputsoe Sports Stadium in Lesotho on Saturday to remember the individuals who died in a crash in June while heading to a Church Young Women activity.

Among those remembered were ten members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who were leaders and young women in the local congregation. A total of 15 people were killed in the crash that occured on June 21.

A memorial service was held on Wednesday prior to the funeral service. Among those in attendance for Saturday’s services were church leaders and leaders in the Lesotho government. Prime Minister Ntsokoane Samuel Matekane was among those who gave remarks during the service.

“I give my undivided respect to all families who have been affected by this tragedy,” Matekane said. “We pray for those who are affected by this horrible tragedy. We are here to mourn with those that mourn. Our country is a great loss. It is a painful time.”

The Church released the names of all those who were killed in the crash, and all of them were honored during Saturday’s funeral service:

• 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
• Itumeleng Ntoane, male, 45