Maseru – A humanitarian from Botha-Bothe in Lesotho walked through heavy snow at Moteng Pass on Thursday to rescue patients stranded after their ambulance became stuck, in a dramatic rescue operation that drew praise from local authorities.
Clifford Tar, widely known in the district as “Mr Lifesaver,” said he received a message early in the morning informing him that an ambulance had become trapped in snow at the mountain pass.
“I asked myself why such incidents are still happening when weather warnings are always shared on different platforms before snowfall. However, I also realised that despite the situation, we cannot allow people to lose their lives. I therefore decided to see what I could do to help,” he said. 
Tar packed emergency blankets and drove to Moteng Pass. After parking his vehicle at the foot of the pass, he began walking toward the stranded ambulance. Midway up, he encountered three shepherds who agreed without hesitation to assist him.
Together, they reached the ambulance and found two patients inside: a critically ill pregnant woman and a man with a fractured bone whose condition was stable. The team prioritised the pregnant woman and carried her on a stretcher for approximately five kilometres down the pass.
“Another ambulance from Botha-Bothe Hospital followed me to assist with the rescue operation, but it also became stuck in the snow. When we reached where I had parked my vehicle, I attempted to seek assistance from another ambulance but realised it would take too long to arrive. I then decided to use my own vehicle to transport the patient to Botha-Bothe Hospital. I am pleased to say that upon arrival, the patient was immediately transferred to Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital,” Tar said.
He urged members of the public to take precautionary measures during severe weather conditions.
Botha-Bothe District Disaster Manager Mojabeng Mohloki said she was concerned that some people continue to ignore early warning messages issued by authorities. She said the Lesotho Meteorological Services, together with the Disaster Management Authority, regularly issue weather alerts through various communication platforms.
“In Botha-Bothe, whenever we receive warnings from the head office of DMA, my team and I make every effort to distribute the information through all available platforms, including community leaders, farmers, taxi owners and operators. This is to ensure that everyone receives the warnings in time and can prepare accordingly. However, it appears that some people still do not take these warnings seriously, as we continue to experience incidents such as this. I therefore urge everyone to heed early warning messages because they are issued to protect lives and discourage travel during dangerous weather conditions,” she said.
Mohloki thanked Tar for his bravery and commitment to saving lives, noting that while rescue operations in such conditions are extremely challenging, losing lives during disasters should never be accepted as inevitable. She said words were insufficient to express appreciation for his unwavering support and the public education he provides to communities.
All passengers in the stranded ambulance were eventually rescued with the assistance of a Lesotho Defence Force ambulance that arrived after the pregnant woman had already been transported to safety. Two trucks, however, remain stuck at Moteng Pass.
Tar used his own resources throughout the rescue operation and gave M200 to the three shepherds who assisted him as a token of appreciation.
