Dr. Tshepo Lipholo, a controversial MP in Lesotho, faces serious charges after alleging that the country's monarch agreed to hand over control to South Africa, igniting a national debate about territory and governance.
Lesotho MP Faces Charges Over Controversial Accusations Against King
Lesotho MP Faces Charges Over Controversial Accusations Against King
An MP's claim that the king signed over Lesotho to South Africa sparks legal and diplomatic tensions.
Dr. Tshepo Lipholo, a Member of Parliament in Lesotho, is under criminal investigation for claiming that King Letsie III and the government conceded control of Lesotho to South Africa. He has been charged with damaging the reputation of the royal family and "uttering seditious words." Reports indicate that he declared himself the "chief ruler" of Lesotho, prompting outrage and legal repercussions.
During his court appearance, which was held on Monday, bail proceedings were postponed to a future date later this month. Lipholo, who leads the Basotho Covenant Movement (BCM) with a single parliamentary seat, has a history of vocalizing his ambitions to reclaim territories in South Africa that Basotho people once inhabited prior to the 19th century annexation by Afrikaners.
Dr. Lipholo's provocative stance includes claims on land in the Free State province and claims over parts of the Northern Cape, Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal. The MP cites historical injustices as a basis for his demands, referring to a United Nations resolution that acknowledges the right of self-determination for the Basotho people.
The charge sheet details allegations that Lipholo incited public unrest by stating that the king had "signed over" Lesotho to become a part of South Africa. These remarks, reportedly made through various platforms between April and June 2025, have drawn significant backlash from authorities.
In a related development, Major General Samuel Makoro, a retired military official, was arrested for allegedly assisting Lipholo with confidential information. Legal experts suggest that the motion for territory reclamation has no grounding in practical politics, as it lacks widespread support within Lesotho. Furthermore, the framework established by the 1964 Cairo Declaration, which reinforced existing African borders post-colonially, remains a significant obstacle to any territorial claims.
Dr. Lipholo has expressed intentions of bringing this issue before the British Parliament, citing Britain's role in Lesotho's 1966 independence and the unresolved territorial considerations that linger from colonial rule. As legal proceedings unfold, his legal team has until July 25, 2025, to secure bail, while he remains in policy custody, adding layers to an already complex political landscape in Lesotho and its relationship with South Africa.
