MP Faces Charges for Alleging Lesotho Handed to South Africa

Dr. Tshepo Lipholo, a Member of Parliament in Lesotho, has been formally charged with slander and incitement for claiming the monarch signed over control of the country to South Africa, a dispute rooted in historical territorial claims.

An MP from Lesotho is currently embroiled in legal controversies after alleging that the country's king and the government had ceded the nation's control to South Africa. Dr. Tshepo Lipholo, who leads the Basotho Covenant Movement (BCM), now faces accusations of damaging the royal family's dignity by positioning himself as the chief ruler of Lesotho. He appeared in court seeking bail, which has been delayed.

The controversy stems from Lipholo's previous assertions that territory in South Africa should rightfully belong to Lesotho, including provinces like Free State and Northern Cape. Historical context reveals that Basotho inhabited these regions until the 19th Century when they were appropriated by Afrikaners.

Charges against Lipholo include "uttering seditious words" and inciting violence through various proclamations made on social media and radio shows between April and June 2025. Lipholo's political aspirations include discussing this issue in the British Parliament, aiming to revisit Lesotho's borders established during colonial rule.

In addition to Lipholo's charges, there is growing concern regarding the legality and potential outcomes of his claims in light of established international frameworks that preserve existing African borders. Despite the historical ties, South African officials have stated that Lipholo’s motion lacks popular support in Lesotho and would be unlikely to succeed.

Lipholo remains in custody and will have until July 25, 2025, to argue for his bail.