Dr. Tshepo Lipholo, a Member of Parliament in Lesotho, has been charged with harming the image of the royal family after he publicly accused King Letsie III and the government of surrendering Lesotho’s sovereignty to South Africa. The MP's statements, which suggested that Lesotho had effectively become the 10th province of South Africa, have sparked legal action against him, with court proceedings set for later this month.
Allegations state that Dr. Lipholo's comments include calls to reclaim territories within South Africa that the Basotho historically occupied. These areas include notable provinces like Free State, Northern Cape, Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal. His assertive claims are rooted in a historic perspective, as many Basotho people remained in these regions post-19th Century, despite colonization and territorial shifts.
Dr. Lipholo’s controversial proclamations have led to accusations of "uttering seditious words" and "inciting public violence" via social media and radio interviews between April and June 2025. Additionally, a retired army officer, Major General Samuel Makoro, has been arrested for allegedly aiding Lipholo by providing sensitive information.
Leading the Basotho Covenant Movement, Lipholo references a 1962 United Nations resolution asserting the right to self-determination for the people of Basutoland, which he hopes will spark parliamentary discussions, even in the United Kingdom, where he argues that the historical colonial borders left unresolved issues. However, officials in South Africa maintain that these claims lack widespread support in Lesotho, posing a significant barrier to any potential changes in territorial status.
As the legal proceedings unfold, Dr. Lipholo remains in custody, while his legal team has until July 25, 2025, to argue for bail, with the nation closely watching the implications of his pursuit for Lesotho's territorial claims.
Allegations state that Dr. Lipholo's comments include calls to reclaim territories within South Africa that the Basotho historically occupied. These areas include notable provinces like Free State, Northern Cape, Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal. His assertive claims are rooted in a historic perspective, as many Basotho people remained in these regions post-19th Century, despite colonization and territorial shifts.
Dr. Lipholo’s controversial proclamations have led to accusations of "uttering seditious words" and "inciting public violence" via social media and radio interviews between April and June 2025. Additionally, a retired army officer, Major General Samuel Makoro, has been arrested for allegedly aiding Lipholo by providing sensitive information.
Leading the Basotho Covenant Movement, Lipholo references a 1962 United Nations resolution asserting the right to self-determination for the people of Basutoland, which he hopes will spark parliamentary discussions, even in the United Kingdom, where he argues that the historical colonial borders left unresolved issues. However, officials in South Africa maintain that these claims lack widespread support in Lesotho, posing a significant barrier to any potential changes in territorial status.
As the legal proceedings unfold, Dr. Lipholo remains in custody, while his legal team has until July 25, 2025, to argue for bail, with the nation closely watching the implications of his pursuit for Lesotho's territorial claims.
