Speaking on behalf of the government of Lesotho, the Minister of Trade and
Industry, Mr. Mpho Malie said the peace and stability that Basotho enjoy inthe country are the results of the deceased's efforts and commitment inconsolidation of democracy.Mr. Malie indicated that at one stage in his life, Mr. Koabola was in exilefor more than 15 years in South Africa, and added during that period henever abandoned his country and he continued in the struggle to ensure thatpeace and democracy are reinstated.He pointed out that the death of Mr. Koabola is a great loss to the PrimeMinister and Leader of the LCD, Mr. Pakalitha Mosisili who did not only knowhim as a responsible member of his party but also as the most polite person.

In passing her condolences to the Koabola family and to the Motetecommunity at the funeral service, the Speaker of the National Assembly, MsNtlhoi Motsamai said the deceased was very loyal to the Motete communitywhich elected him torepresent them in parliament and this loyalty was seenby his hard work and commitment to the duties of  parliament.Ms Motsamai indicated that Mr. Koabola was always attended the NationalAssembly's proceedings and he distinguished himself from other members ofparliament by his cleverness which he won by talking less and listening to
others. She added that his politeness made him a special person.

Speaking on behalf of the opposition parties represented in the Parliament,the Basotholand African Congress (BAC) member of Parliament, Mr. HapeTsakatse said the death of Mr. koabola is not only a loss to the LCD butalso to the entire nation.Mr. Tsakatse stated that Mr. Koabola's sufferings in his party's strugglesfor democracy in the country did not only bear fruitful results for the LCDmembers as the results of such struggles are now being enjoyed by everyMosotho.

He expressed a wish that the loss of such an important person as Mr.Koabola in the political history of Lesotho, may give all those parties,which have splitted from the original Basotholand Congress Party, anopportunity to consider reconciliation.
Present at the funeral service to give their last respect to the deceased,were also the First Lady, Mrs Mathato Mosisili, Cabinet Ministers, Membersof Parliament, LCD Executive Committee and the LCD members from theButha-Buthe constituencies, and the Motete community.

26 August, 2002