Lesotho Nationals Undergoing Military Training in South Africa to Reclaim “Stolen” Land, Police Investigate
Johannesburg, South Africa – South African police are actively investigating allegations that Basotho nationals are receiving military-style training on farms within South Africa, with the stated aim of reclaiming land thay claim was “stolen” from the mountain kingdom. The probe follows confirmation from Lesotho’s police chief, Advocate Borotho Matsoso, regarding the emergence of a group known as “Malata Naha.”
This group is reportedly recruiting young Basotho citizens, both domestically and internationally, to incite insurrection against their own government and to pursue territorial claims in South Africa. The disputed land encompasses meaningful portions of the Free State, Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal provinces.
The revelations come in the wake of the recent arrest of Lesotho Member of Parliament Dr. Tshepo Lipholo, the leader of the Basotho Covenant Movement.This political party has been a vocal advocate for the return of South African territory it asserts rightfully belongs to Lesotho. Dr.Lipholo’s arrest triggered unrest within Lesotho.National Police Commissioner, Gen. fannie Masemola, stated that these allegations are a top priority for the police, with a meeting scheduled with all nine provincial commissioners to strategize crime combating efforts. A preliminary report from the crime intelligence division has been discussed, highlighting intensified operations to investigate these claims and to dismantle any illegal activities.
The Directorate for Priority Crime Inquiry (DPCI),also known as the Hawks,specifically its crimes against the state (CATS) unit,has been brought in to assist with the investigation. While searches have been conducted at various identified farms, no concrete evidence of such training camps has been found to date.
commissioner Masemola confirmed he has been in contact with Lesotho’s police chief, Advocate Matsoso, and both nations’ law enforcement intelligence structures have agreed to collaborate on investigating the existence of these alleged camps. Operatives are currently on the ground gathering facts, and the public is urged not to panic as police forces from both countries are on high alert.
This territorial dispute resurfaced in 2023 when Dr. Lipholo tabled a motion in Lesotho’s parliament advocating for the kingdom to reclaim South african territory that predates colonial times. at the time, Dr. Lipholo declared, “Its time for what is ours to be returned to us.”
