citizens at Thabaseka
4 August 2006
Pretoria - The Department of Foreign Affairs was today, Friday, 4 August
2006, informed by its High Commission in Lesotho on the latest with regards to
both South African and Basotho nationals who were trapped in the snow.
By Thursday night information received from the South African High
Commission in Lesotho indicated that eight South African and Lesotho citizens
were trapped at Thabaseka following the snowfalls. Accordingly, a
reconnaissance mission by the Lesotho Air Force was immediately ordered on
Thursday with a view to locating the trapped victims. Due to poor visibility
the mission had to be postponed.
A rescue operation including a medical team was ordered today, 4 August, and
wish to report as follows:
* between 10 to 12 people have been rescued and brought to safety by Defence
Force helicopters and were taken to the hospital in the Roma University town,
40km outside Maseru.
* No casualties have been reported thus far and the rescue mission is combing
the area under drastic snowing conditions to search for more people who might
be trapped.
The Department of Foreign Affairs through its High Commission in Maseru will
continue to render the necessary consular assistance until the rescue mission
is complete.
For further details contact:
Nomfanelo Kota
Cell: 082 459 3787
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
4 August 2006
Source: SAPA
