In brief
Dr. Tshepo Lipholo, the MP in question, claims parts of South Africa should be returned to Lesotho, provoking legal action against him for "seditious words" and "inciting public violence."
Dr. Tshepo Lipholo, a member of the Basotho Covenant Movement, has made headlines after facing charges in connection to controversial statements regarding Lesotho's territorial sovereignty. Accused of violating the dignity of the royal family, he recently appeared in court as he seeks bail, a request that has been deferred. His allegations suggest that the Lesotho monarch, King Letsie III, and the government facilitated the annexation of Lesotho, proposing that it be recognized as a 10th province of South Africa.Lipholo previously sought territorial claims over regions now within South Africa, including the Free State, which historically housed many Basotho until the 19th Century. The tensions over these claims have revived discussions rooted in a 1962 UN resolution advocating for self-determination.Charges levelled against Lipholo include public statements made between April and June 2025 that suggest his self-proclaimed status as the chief ruler of Lesotho undermines the king's authority. Notably, Major General Samuel Makoro has also been arrested for allegedly aiding Lipholo.The legal enterprise is underpinned by a historical context where the borders post-colonization remain contentious, with past resolutions, like the 1964 Cairo Declaration, recognizing existing borders to prevent conflicts. Response from South African officials indicates little support for Lipholo's territorial claims, underscoring a lack of majority backing in Lesotho.In the face of these developments, Lipholo's defense team must present their case for bail by July 25, 2025, while he remains in custody. The matter has sparked considerable debate regarding Lesotho's historical grievances and present-day political dynamics.
