17 Mar 2026

As massive rains continue to lash various parts of the country, Lerala and its surroundings have suffered significant damage, with the true extent of the destruction unfolding in the aftermath of flooding.

Speaking in an interview, Ms Mogametsi Ratlale, Community Development Officer I-Extension, Palapye District Council, said three houses in Lerala had collapsed without causing fatalities.

‘’We have also received various reports of dead livestock,’’ she said, adding that it is mostly reports of goats that drowned in their kraals. So far three farmers have lost a total of 62 goats, 111 chickens, a fence and water melons that have been washed due to the torrential rains in Lerala.

Ms Ratlale stated further that six houses at various ploughing fields in Lerala had collapsed as a result of the continuing cloudburst. With further substantial damage anticipated to both property and livestock.

Ms Ratlale has made call to Lerala residents and the nearby areas to contact her office so that assessments could be carried out with a view to bringing in interventions where necessary.
Schools in Lerala have also been temporarily closed until the situation improves.

‘’I would also like to plead with people to exercise caution in areas where there is still a lot of water and urge them to call authorities for assistance,’’ she said, adding that the most affected ploughing fields were the Lephane fields situated along the Majwaneng/Steinberg road.

For his part, Assistant Superintendent Kemang Masoka of Maunatlala Police said heavy rainfall that started in the early hours of Sunday in and around Seolwane had dealt internal roads and homesteads a hard-blow, forcing the police to rescue three people from cattle posts in the area from life-threatening waters.

According to Superintendent Masoka, 10 houses in Mosweu and 42 individuals have been affected, resulting in an estimated P4,000 worth of damage to property.

“In Seolwane, 21 households have been affected, with P8,400 worth of damage reported,’’ he said, adding that Maunatlala was also counting losses estimated to be slightly over P3,200 to date. ENDS