…as Boiketlo Ba Basali organises thanksgiving Mass for his survival
…while 12-year-old remains traumatised
Rethabile Pitso
THE Boiketlo Ba Basali Foundation, also known as “A Woman’s Kept Promise”, has vowed to continue supporting ‘Nete Leotlela throughout his recovery after he narrowly survived a vicious dog attack on 6 July.
‘Nete, 12, who was mauled by five German Shepherds at a residence of former Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) Commissioner, Tšoeu Petlane, in Ha Matala, sustaining extensive injuries that included the loss of both ears, returned to Lesotho on Sunday after being temporarily discharged from MediClinic in Bloemfontein, South Africa, where he had been receiving treatment since 7 July.
He received a hero’s welcome at the Maseru Bridge, with Boiketlo Ba Basali arranging transport for him and his family from Bloemfontein to Ha Abia, where a thanksgiving Mass was held in his honour before he was taken home.
The temporary release was granted to allow ‘Nete to recover in familiar surroundings before returning to South Africa for further procedures aimed at reconstructing his fractured face and treating other injuries sustained in the attack.
The boy was welcomed by members of the public, well-wishers and private organisations that have supported the “Help ‘Nete Heal” initiative since the attack.
Within weeks, the initiative had raised more than M1 million through mobile money and banking platforms, enabling ‘Nete to access the expensive treatment required at the South African medical facility.
Boiketlo Ba Basali joined the fundraising campaign with a Pitiki (women’s retreat) event that raised M100 000 in one night.
The women-led organisation, founded by Innovation, Communication, Science and Technology Minister Nthati Moorosi, later mobilised support from business figures, including businessmen Lebona Lephema and Thabo Maretlane, as well as other anonymous contributors, at an impromptu fundraising event that raised about M400 000.
Since then, Boiketlo Ba Basali has pledged to work alongside ‘Nete’s Leotlela and Ramantsoe families, to support him through every stage of his recovery.
The Foundation’s support continued on Sunday, when it organised the thanksgiving service to celebrate ‘Nete’s survival and offer encouragement to his family.
Speaking at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Ha Abia, Ms Moorosi said ‘Nete’s spirit and determination when she first met him in hospital convinced her that he was a child with a special purpose.
“The way Basotho, South Africans and the rest of the world rallied behind raising funds for ‘Nete speaks a great deal about God’s grace. God just poured down His grace upon this boy to show His power. I have no other words to describe what this act means. I have never seen anything like it before,” Ms Moorosi said.
“I went into that hospital room afraid I was going to meet a sad figure, but his approach to life, his outspokenness and zest for life made me realise we have an intelligent child here. I truly wish to see him grow up because I believe there is something God is trying to show us through ‘Nete.”
Ms Moorosi expressed gratitude to Foundation members who participated in nationwide fundraising activities, including the event that raised more than M100 000 in a single night.
“The event not only showed solidarity but also proved that when we come together towards achieving a goal, we can achieve so much. We have prayer warriors among us, women who have come together to overcome challenges. Women such as ‘M’e Puseletso Ramokhethi and ‘M’e ‘Masesheke Nthlakana and others deserve so much recognition for their efforts,” she said.
She said the Foundation was also extending its support to other people in need.
“In our midst, we also have ‘M’e Makarabo Letsoela, who is suffering from an eye condition that has bothered her for a long time. As Boiketlo Ba Basali, we invited her to the Mass to initiate efforts to help her regain her sight. She requires an operation with specialists outside the country.
“At one point it appeared government was willing to assist her, but that assistance never materialised, so we have promised to take over. Apart from her, we also have Mr Jason Motlatsi, who fell ill during this journey of extending assistance to others. He lives in South Africa at the moment, but we have his photograph placed over there for viewing. There are so many initiatives we are willing to extend to those in need through this organisation,” she said.
Ms Moorosi later invited Foundation members to present gifts to ‘Nete and the priests who officiated the Mass.
“We brought along gifts for ‘Nete that were well thought through concerning his condition. First, a phone and a laptop for him to get a head start on his research towards becoming a zoologist, as he bravely told us during our visit. There is also a pair of pyjamas for his long days spent in bed.
“Apart from that, we also brought blanket gifts for our two Fathers who led the Mass today,” she said.
Meanwhile, ‘Nete’s father, Reatile Leotlela, who addressed the public for the first time on Sunday, thanked Basotho for the support his son has received since the dog attack, as well as the assistance extended to both families.
Mr Leotlela also praised the staff at Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital for what he described as excellent care when ‘Nete was admitted following the attack.
He recalled the horrific condition in which his son arrived at the hospital, saying doctors and nurses responded professionally and provided the care he needed.
He said ‘Nete experienced another distressing moment on the way to hospital when he saw himself in the vehicle’s mirror and became frightened by the injuries he had sustained.
According to his father, the effects of the attack continue to affect ‘Nete even after the immediate physical danger has passed.
Speaking to Mohale FM, the Lesotho Times’s sister media outlet, on the sidelines of the church service, Mr Leotlela said his son continues to experience situations that remind him of the attack, leaving him emotionally distressed and, at times, trembling with fear.
He cited an incident that occurred on Saturday while they were still in Bloemfontein. While they were sitting somewhere, a dog passed by tied to the back of a vehicle.
The moment ‘Nete saw the dog, he began trembling. His father had to hold him close until he calmed down.
Mr Leotlela said this demonstrated that although ‘Nete is recovering physically, the attack continues to affect him emotionally and psychologically, with reminders of the incident triggering the fear he experienced on the day of the attack.
