Lesotho MP Faces Charges Over Land Claims & Royal Insult
Accused of Sedition for Suggesting South Africa Annexation
A Member of Parliament in Lesotho is confronting criminal accusations following his assertions that the nation’s monarchy and government have ceded control of the country to South Africa. The charges also encompass alleged damage to the royal family’s reputation.
Legal Battles and Territorial Ambitions
Dr. Tshepo Lipholo, an opposition MP, reportedly appeared in court seeking bail, which was deferred to a later date this month. He has previously advocated for portions of South Africa to be recognized as Lesotho’s territory, asserting historical claims.
Historical Grievances and Modern Legal Conflict
The MP’s claims extend to several South African provinces, including the Free State, Northern Cape, Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal. These areas were historically inhabited by the Basotho people before their seizure by Afrikaners in the 19th century. According to court documents, state prosecutors accuse Dr. Lipholo of uttering seditious words and inciting public violence. Allegations suggest he claimed King Letsie III and the government had effectively made Lesotho the 10th South African province through actions between April and June 2025.
Allegations of Usurping Royal Authority
Further accusations involve Dr. Lipholo declaring himself the paramount chief of Basutoland, the country’s former colonial name, in direct contravention of the reigning monarch’s authority. A retired army official, Major General Samuel Makoro, was also apprehended for allegedly aiding Mr. Lipholo and providing sensitive information.
Political Movement and International Law
Dr. Lipholo leads the Basotho Covenant Movement (BCM), which holds a single seat in parliament. His parliamentary motion is reportedly rooted in a 1962 United Nations resolution concerning self-determination for Basutoland. However, South African officials and a 1964 Organization of African Unity (now African Union) declaration on the inviolability of existing borders present significant hurdles to his territorial claims. The latter agreement aimed to prevent conflicts arising from colonial-era border demarcations.
Border disputes remain a sensitive issue in Africa; for example, the Nigeria-Cameroon border dispute over the Bakassi Peninsula, which was finally settled by the International Court of Justice in 2002, led to significant diplomatic tension and a transfer of territory. (Source: International Court of Justice).
Dr. Lipholo has also indicated an intention to engage the British Parliament, given the UK’s role in Lesotho’s independence in 1966 and its alleged failure to address the border changes. His legal team has been granted until July 25, 2025, to present arguments for his bail. He remains in police custody.
