A Lesotho MP, Dr. Tshepo Lipholo, is facing criminal charges after accusing the country’s monarch and government of signing over control of Lesotho to its much larger neighbor, South Africa. Dr. Lipholo also faces charges of “violating the dignity and reputation” of the royal family by declaring himself the chief ruler of the landlocked country. He reportedly appeared in court on Monday to apply for bail, but this was postponed to a later date this month.
The opposition MP has previously called for parts of South Africa to be declared “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 Lesotho. 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 Afrikaners – white South Africans.
In the charge sheet, which the BBC has seen, the state 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.” These remarks were allegedly made between April and June 2025 on various social media platforms and radio interviews, according to the state. 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 recognized the right to self-determination and independence for the people of Basutoland.
The view from South African officials is that the motion to reclaim territories some Basotho view as their own does not stand a chance of happening because it does not enjoy the support of the majority in Lesotho. One of the key stumbling blocks is the 1964 Cairo Declaration of the Organisation of African Unity, now the African Union, whereby African leaders agreed to recognize the existing borders of their newly independent countries, even if they were drawn up by colonial powers with little regard to where different ethnic groups lived, to avoid stirring up conflict across the continent.
South Africa’s foreign affairs ministry reaffirmed this view in response to a question in parliament earlier this year. Dr. Lipholo has previously told Lesotho media that he also hopes to have the motion discussed in the British Parliament “since it was the UK that gave Lesotho its independence in 1966, without correcting the borders seized by the Afrikaners.” According to a source, his legal team was given until 25 July 2025, to argue for bail. He remains in police custody.
The case has sparked interest and debate, with many questioning the validity of Dr. Lipholo’s claims and the potential implications for Lesotho and South Africa. The outcome of the case will be closely watched, and it remains to be seen how the courts will rule on the matter.
In the meantime, Dr. Lipholo’s supporters are standing by him, and his legal team is preparing to argue for his bail. The case is complex and involves issues of history, politics, and law. It will require careful consideration and analysis to determine the merits of the claims and the potential consequences.
The situation highlights the complexities of African politics and the challenges of navigating historical grievances and territorial disputes. It also underscores the importance of diplomacy and cooperation between countries in resolving such issues. As the case unfolds, it will be closely watched by many, and the outcome will have implications for Lesotho, South Africa, and the wider region.