Dr. Tshepo Lipholo's controversial statements reflect historical territorial disputes and raise questions about identity and self-determination.
**Controversial Accusations: Lesotho MP in Hot Water for Alleged Royal Detriment**
**Controversial Accusations: Lesotho MP in Hot Water for Alleged Royal Detriment**
A Lesotho MP faces charges for claiming the king ceded control of the country to South Africa.
Dr. Tshepo Lipholo, a member of Lesotho's parliament, has found himself embroiled in legal troubles after making explosive accusations against the nation's monarch, King Letsie III, and the Lesotho government. He is facing criminal charges for allegedly asserting that the king had signed over control of the landlocked nation to South Africa, its more powerful neighbor. In a recent court appearance, the opposition MP sought bail but was informed that the request would be postponed until later this month.
Lipholo's inflammatory remarks include his declaration of self-appointment as the chief ruler of Lesotho and demands for South African territories, including parts of the Free State, to be returned to the Basotho people. Historically, these areas were inhabited by the Basotho before being annexed in the 19th century, a scenario that resonates deeply within the national consciousness, especially as many Basotho continue to reside there today.
The charges against Lipholo accuse him of "uttering seditious words" and "inciting public violence" through social media and radio interviews conducted between April and June of 2025. His claims stated that King Letsie III and the government intended to make Lesotho the tenth province of South Africa, which the state suggests undermines the dignity of the royal family. Alongside Lipholo, a retired army major has been arrested for allegedly supporting his cause.
Lipholo, a leader of the Basotho Covenant Movement (BCM), based his claims on a 1962 United Nations resolution endorsing the right to self-determination for the people of Basutoland. However, South African officials have challenged the feasibility of his territorial claims, citing a lack of majority support within Lesotho itself. Moreover, they reference the 1964 Cairo Declaration by African leaders, who agreed to uphold existing borders despite their colonial origins, to prevent potential conflicts.
In a bid to garner more support for his motions, Lipholo has expressed intentions of discussing the claims in the British Parliament, noting that the UK provided Lesotho with independence in 1966 without addressing historical territorial disputes. Currently, he remains in police custody as his legal team prepares to argue for his release.
Lipholo's inflammatory remarks include his declaration of self-appointment as the chief ruler of Lesotho and demands for South African territories, including parts of the Free State, to be returned to the Basotho people. Historically, these areas were inhabited by the Basotho before being annexed in the 19th century, a scenario that resonates deeply within the national consciousness, especially as many Basotho continue to reside there today.
The charges against Lipholo accuse him of "uttering seditious words" and "inciting public violence" through social media and radio interviews conducted between April and June of 2025. His claims stated that King Letsie III and the government intended to make Lesotho the tenth province of South Africa, which the state suggests undermines the dignity of the royal family. Alongside Lipholo, a retired army major has been arrested for allegedly supporting his cause.
Lipholo, a leader of the Basotho Covenant Movement (BCM), based his claims on a 1962 United Nations resolution endorsing the right to self-determination for the people of Basutoland. However, South African officials have challenged the feasibility of his territorial claims, citing a lack of majority support within Lesotho itself. Moreover, they reference the 1964 Cairo Declaration by African leaders, who agreed to uphold existing borders despite their colonial origins, to prevent potential conflicts.
In a bid to garner more support for his motions, Lipholo has expressed intentions of discussing the claims in the British Parliament, noting that the UK provided Lesotho with independence in 1966 without addressing historical territorial disputes. Currently, he remains in police custody as his legal team prepares to argue for his release.
