Maseru — The Director of the State Library and Archives, Mr. Motlalepula Lethibelane, has confirmed the death of a delegate attending the Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Branch of the International Council on Archives (ESARBICA) conference, who passed away en ruote to Moshoeshoe I International Airport on Saturday.

Mr. Lethibelane explained that the South African national, whose identity has not yet been released, had arrived in Lesotho already in poor health to attend the regional forum.

According to Mr. Lethibelane, the delegate's condition worsened during the conference.

He said the deceased became ill on Wednesday and was unable to participate for the remainder of the day's proceedings.

He returned to his hotel room, where he tried to rest and continued taking his medication, but was unable to resume attending the training sessions thereafter.

On Saturday, as delegates were being taken to the airport, the man reportedly experienced severe health complications while en route.

He was rushed to Queen 'Mamohato Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. 

Mr. Lethibelane added that one of the deceased's colleagues collapsed after receiving the news and was taken to Makoanyane Military Hospital, where the individual was treated and later discharged.

However, he stressed that he could not confirm the direct cause of death, as the official cause had not yet been established.

The deceased's director, Ms. Khanyi Nqobo, confirmed the death but declined to provide further details, saying the team was still in shock and focused on supporting the family while making the necessary arrangements at Queen 'Mamohato Memorial Hospital.