Leemisa Thuseho
A 23-YEAR-OLD lady from Ha-Raleqheka, Mpatana, close to Maseru, is searching for compensation from the Lesotho Defence Power (LDF) after she was allegedly struck by an LDF car in 2019.
Lintle Molieleng and her household are requesting compensation to cowl medical, transport, and meals bills, in addition to for the accidents she sustained when she was hit by an LDF Land Cruiser on July 19, 2019, in Borokhoaneng, Maseru.
Lintle suffered accidents to her tooth and jaw, requiring maxillofacial surgical procedure.
Accompanied by her sister and father, Lintle this week appeared earlier than the Prime Minister’s Ministries and Departments, Governance, Overseas Relations and Data Cluster to current her case.
The LDF was represented by seven members, together with two from the military’s authorized division, led by Ministry of Defence Principal Secretary (PS), ‘Mabataung Khalane and Brigadier Normal Lekhooa Matlali.
On the time of the accident, Lintle was residing in Maseru together with her uncle, Mpeoli Molieleng, who can also be an LDF member.
Whereas Lintle claims she was hit by an LDF car, the military maintains a special account.
Based on the LDF, the car’s driver, Colonel Faku (who was not current), claimed that Lintle ran throughout the street and collided with the stationary automotive, resulting in her accidents.
Police weren’t concerned after the incident.
As an alternative, the LDF driver and Lintle’s household, notably her uncle, reportedly made a verbal settlement that everybody would assist together with her restoration.
Nonetheless, Lintle’s household says the motive force didn’t supply ample assist, particularly financially, and their appeals to the LDF went unanswered.
The household claims the motive force solely gave them M1000 initially after which stopped aiding. The driving force was not current on the committee assembly on Monday.
Lintle recounted that after the accident, she was rushed to Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital in the identical car that allegedly hit her.
She underwent surgical procedure and was scheduled for follow-up medical examinations, which she has not accomplished as a result of monetary difficulties.
She says eight of her tooth have been affected and, though her jaw wiring has been eliminated, she nonetheless experiences ache and has not absolutely recovered.
“I went from workplace to workplace at LDF searching for assist, however nothing labored out,” Lintle defined.
“Ntate Faku was by no means cooperative in my restoration course of, and my household needed to handle on their very own. I’m nonetheless going for check-ups however typically I miss them due to monetary challenges.”
Lintle expressed her want to obtain compensation for each the bills she has already incurred and people she expects to incur for ongoing therapy.
She defined that this consists of compensation for the bodily and emotional struggling ensuing from the accident.
“I’m asking this committee to make sure that LDF compensates me. I now not really feel comfy working immediately with Ntate Faku and don’t really feel protected round him,” she mentioned.
Her father, Sello, supported her request, saying that they’re entitled to reimbursement from the military for all the prices they’ve borne.
Thus far, he estimated their bills at round M19,000.
He added that they haven’t but calculated the quantity they are going to search for ongoing therapy and the misery they proceed to expertise.
Sello defined that when the incident occurred, the household selected to not contain the police, trusting that the LDF, as a lawful establishment, would cooperate absolutely.
They didn’t anticipate the state of affairs escalating to its present state, he mentioned.
Lintle and her household have criticised each the LDF and its driver for failing to supply adequate assist.
In response, Colonel Libete Mofilikoane from the LDF transport division mentioned in line with the studies they acquired, the motive force was supportive. He additionally famous that there have been events when the sufferer missed scheduled check-up appointments.
Nonetheless, Basotho Nationwide Social gathering (BNP) chief, Machesetsa Mofomobe, a member of the Prime Minister’s Ministries and Departments, Governance, Overseas Relations and Data Cluster, was not satisfied by Col Mofilikoane’s response.
He asserted that the LDF had erred by reaching a casual settlement with the Molieleng household as a substitute of following correct procedures, equivalent to notifying the police.
“When an accident happens, the police must be known as to the scene to arrange studies which can be important for insurance coverage claims and potential authorized motion,” Mr Mofomobe mentioned.
He added that failing to contain the police had disadvantaged the sufferer of the chance to make insurance coverage claims.
After in depth discussions, the committee concluded that the LDF ought to compensate the household.
It was determined that the household ought to collect receipts for his or her bills and submit them to the committee at a date but to be decided.
Committee chairperson, Moshe Makotoko, the ruling Revolution for Prosperity (RFP)’s Matsieng legislator, reminded the LDF that, whereas they’re searching for documentation for previous bills, they need to do not forget that the sufferer remains to be recovering and continues to wish assist.
The LDF didn’t make a definitive dedication concerning compensation however agreed that the household ought to present receipts as formal proof of their spending.
“We are going to accumulate all this data from all events and current it to the LDF Commander earlier than continuing additional,” mentioned Brigadier Matlali.
Ministry of Defence PS Khalane added that the LDF would want to hunt authorized recommendation earlier than making any last choices.
