The tiny community of Latter-day Saints in Lesotho is still grappling with a big hole in its heart after last month’s fiery multivehicle crash claimed the lives of seven girls and several of their congregation’s leaders while en route to a church activity.
A memorial service Wednesday drew grieving families, dignitaries, church leaders, government representatives and community members, according to a news release. There, family members and friends paid tributes to their loved ones, reflected on their faith and shared cherished memories.
“I know that God is here with us,” said one of the teenage survivors of the accident, “even in this saddest moment because he loves us.”
(The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) Family members and friends gather at a memorial service Wednesday, July 16, 2025, in northern Lesotho.
The three-member area presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said it is continuing to provide support to the families who lost loved ones.
“We extend our love and heartfelt condolences to the families and friends who are grieving,” general authority Seventies Carlos A. Godoy, Denelson Silva, Vaiangina Sikahema wrote in the release. “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.”
They also released the names of the 14 victims from the crash (including two for another vehicle) as identified by the government:
• 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 (the Latter-day Saint Maputsoe Branch’s Young Women president).
• Sharin Molaoa Lieketso, female, 24 (a counselor in the Young Women presidency).
• Tephane Victor Mokhakala, male, 28.
• Poloko Sekhonyana, male, 33.
• Daniel Molateli, male, 35 (branch president).
• Mokhethi Molateli, female, 33 (wife of the branch president).
• Majobo Agie Moteletsane, female, 39.
(The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) Family members and friends gather at a memorial service Wednesday, July 16, 2025, in northern Lesotho.
The church plans to hold a joint funeral Saturday, followed by individual graveside services.
Lesotho, a mostly rural country encircled by South Africa with a population of about 2 million, is home to just under 2,000 Latter-day Saints and fewer than 10 congregations.
Note to readers • Dylan Eubank is a Report for America corps member covering faith in Utah County for The Salt Lake Tribune. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep him writing stories.