Botha-Bothe, Nov 09 (LENA) - Remains of Miss Claurianah Mokone, a victim of the nine Soweto bombings, which occurred in South African recently were laid to rest at Qholaqhoe in the Botha-Bothe district on Saturday 09 November,2002.

Speaking at the funeral, the Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Thabang Lekhela, passed condolences on behalf of the Lesotho Government and thanked the South African Government for the support they have given to the diseased family. Mr. Lekhela, said the Lesotho Government condemns such terror acts because, innocent people who have gone to South Africa to seek jobs end up loosing their lives. He said, the two countries share good relationship, "And this is what it could be expected from the relationship", adding that they will support South Africa against people, who seem to be anti-democratic.

When addressing the mourners, the Minister of Safety and Security in the Free State, South Africa, Mr. Benny Kotsoane, on behalf of the South African Government, said the sorrowful death of Miss Mokone is an-eye-opener to their government. Mr. Kotsoane, said after the bombings, they are now aware that when the government is busy attempting to improve the standard of lives of the people and developing the country, there are people who do not want to be ruled democratically by the black South Africans.

Mr. Kotsoane, the South African government cannot tolerate the act of intimidation against anybody living in their country, and they promise to continue to protect and support all people living in their country without fail. He said, there are some people, who have been arrested in connection with the bombings and police investigations are continuing.

The speakers at the funeral were grateful to the South African government about the financial support they have given to the family of the deceased, and others that they have promised to her children. Amongst the dignitaries that attended the funeral include; the South African Acting High Commissioner to Lesotho, Mr. Mthembisi Mjikeliso. The late Claurina Mokone was born in 1958 at Qholaqhoe and leaves behind a girl and a boy aged 16 and 8.

09 November,2002