Perilous Journey: Escape from Lesotho to Botswana

Chapter 16: River Crossing and Unexpected Aid

Twenty minutes later, Woods attempted to cross the river again but could not. He tried to find someone who could help him get to a village and knocked on a door. A child, who said his name was Tomi, answered. Woods explained his situation, and Tomi offered to help.

Tomi took the car, and although he had little idea of driving, he drove Woods towards the bridge. As they neared, Woods picked up his suitcase, said goodbye, and walked towards the bridge. He saw no one, but then heard the sound of an engine. He looked right and left but could not escape. A car, marked 'Postal Service Lesotho' on one side, stopped in front of Woods. A man inside said the bridge was closed.

The man asked Woods where he was going, and Woods replied, "Maseru." The man explained that the rain had broken the road, making it impassable. However, he offered help, stating he knew a pilot who could fly them. Woods put his suitcase in the car, and they drove to the border. When asked about his passport and the contents of his suitcase, Woods replied that he only carried some papers, convincing the police. Upon arriving in Lesotho, Woods needed to call his wife, but there was no phone. He had to call from Maseru.

Meanwhile, Wendy and her children were on their way. When a police car signaled them to stop, she floored the throttle and made it to Umtata at the appointed time.

Chapter 17: Journey to Maseru and Reunion

In Lesotho, Moses drove Woods towards Maseru. They arrived at a junction where Bruce was waiting. Bruce expressed his belief that they would never get fired. Moses, Bruce, and Woods then rode in the BMW. Bruce drove at high speed towards Maseru for two hours, finally reaching their destination at 9:56 PM.

Woods got out and phoned his wife, Wendy, who was in Umtata. During their conversation, she confirmed that she had also arrived safely.

Chapter 18: Flight to Botswana and Family Reunion

James Moffat was the pilot of the plane intended to take them out of the country. A flight permit from Lesotho was required, but they did not have one. Despite this, they decided to fly anyway. Woods insisted he had to wait for his wife and children.

Bruce and Woods waited while a mechanic finished checking the plane. Woods was walking along the road when the car carrying his family arrived. It slowed, and his children rushed out to embrace him. After a moment, Wendy approached and kissed him.

The plane was ready. They had obtained UN passports for everyone, facilitated by Jonathan, who also planned to travel with them to Botswana. As they launched, the control tower warned them that they would bring down the plane and demanded to know who was on board.

Woods picked up the radio and declared he was an officer of Lesotho, accompanied by seven envoys of the United Nations. Woods looked out the window, contemplating Botswana, and then remembered Biko's words: "Men can change."