By Enyichukwu Enemanna
A Lesotho MP from the opposition bloc is facing criminal charges for accusing the country’s monarch and government of signing over the landlocked nation’s control to its neighbouring South Africa with a much larger population.
Dr. Tshepo Lipholo is also accused of “violating the dignity and reputation” of the royal family by declaring himself the chief ruler of the country.
He was reported to have appeared in court on Monday where he applied for bail. It was however adjourned till later this month.
Dr. Lipholo had in the past called for parts of South Africa to be ceded to “Lesotho’s territory” and wants them returned to Lesotho’s control.
Among them is the Free State, one of the three South African provinces that share a border with the small southern African nation.
Dr. Lipholo is also laying claim to parts of the Northern Cape, Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.
The people of Lesotho, called Basotho, lived in these areas until the 19th century, when they were seized by white South Africans known as Afrikaners. Many still live there, especially in Free State.
The state in the court paper accuses the lawmaker of “uttering seditious words” and “inciting public violence” by saying King Letsie III and the government had “signed [over] Lesotho to become the 10th South African province”.
Authorities say these remarks were allegedly made between April and June 2025 on various social media platforms and radio interviews.
He is also accused of declaring himself the paramount chief of Basutoland, the country’s colonial name, despite the king’s presence.
A retired army official, Major General Samuel Makoro, was also arrested on Friday for allegedly supporting Dr. Lipholo and providing him with sensitive information.
Dr. Lipholo is the leader of the Basotho Covenant Movement (BCM), which has a single seat in parliament.
His motion, which was previously debated in Lesotho’s parliament, is based on a 1962 United Nations resolution that recognised the right to self-determination and independence for the people of Basutoland.
According to a source, his legal team was given until 25 July 2025 to argue for bail while he remains in police custody.
