Talks continue on repatriation of Maseru massacre victims

Discussions on the repatriation of the bodies of South African citizens who were victims of the Maseru massacre are continuing.
This was revealed by the Minister of Sports, Tourism, Arts and Culture, Motlatsi Maqelepo, following a visit to Lesotho this week by South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Peace Mabe.
Mr Maqelepo said the visit follows long-standing engagements between Lesotho and South Africa on the matter, adding that significant progress has been made towards the repatriation process.
He said the move was prompted by appeals from the families of the deceased, who wish to be reunited with the remains of their loved ones and lay them to rest in South Africa.
Mr Maqelepo added that discussions between the two countries also covered areas of cooperation in culture and heritage, noting that shared cultural activities could help boost tourism in both Lesotho and South Africa.
He further said the engagements extended to collaboration in the sports sector, with a focus on strategies to support and strengthen sports development in Lesotho.
The Maseru massacre remains a tragic incident in which several South African nationals lost their lives on 9 December 1982. This South African National Defence Force operation claimed lives of 42 people, 30 of them believed to be members of the South African ruling African National Congress. The remaining victims were Basotho. They were buried at Thibella Cemetery. The tragic incident continues to draw attention as both governments work towards closure and healing for the affected families.