Family pleads for psychotherapy support

LEKOKOANENG – AS friends, neighbours, relatives and others surrounded Mokhethi Maapeha and his family to help them mourn the loss of five close relatives who died two weeks ago, the love seemed to ease his pain.
Yet, that was just on the outside. On the inside, Maapeha was still bleeding.

Two weeks after the tragedy that saw four family members die in an accident, and another from the  shock of the tragedy, Maapeha and other remaining family members are yet to receive professional counseling at a time they need it the most.

Maapeha said they had hoped social workers would visit them and talk to the closely affected family members but that did not happen.
“We are still hopeful they will come because we need them,” Makoae said.
He said the family will continue pleading for psychotherapeutic support, including for others who may face similar tragedies.
“They (social workers) know how one feels or are affected,” he said.

Tšeliso Kalake, the Thupa-Kubu Member of Parliament, said it was critical for the family to get support from social workers.
He said the family would experience more pain after the burial as “everyone” leaves and they are left alone to deal with the reality of the loss.

The Berea District Administrator, Liteboho Tšolo, said he spoke to the Social Development Ministry to offer counseling to the bereaved family.
“They will visit right after the burial,” he said.

‘Mapule Motsopa