Dr. Tšepo Lipholo, leader of the Basotho Covenant Movement (BCM) and Member of Parliament, is facing charges of incitement, provocation of peace, and contempt for allegedly making inflammatory remarks about Lesotho’s Royal Family. According to the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS), Dr. Lipholo is accused of disrespecting the monarchy on various public platforms.
He was arrested on Weds by heavily armed Lesotho Defense Force and Lesotho Mounted Police Service officers surrounded his home before making the arrest, confiscated computers and other equipment.
The charges come amid Dr. Lipholo’s controversial campaign to reclaim territories he asserts were historically part of Lesotho but are now within South Africa. Earlier this year, he submitted a petition to the United Nations seeking the return of the Free State province and parts of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape . This move has drawn criticism from both Lesotho’s government and international observers, with some labeling his actions as “constitutional delinquency” .
Further controversy surrounds allegations that Israeli-linked operatives are funding Dr. Lipholo’s land reclamation efforts. While these claims have not been independently verified, they have raised concerns about the role of Israel in Lesotho’s domestic affairs .
In addition, a voice note circulating on social media purportedly features Dr. Lipholo encouraging young men to prepare for military training. The authenticity of the recording remains unconfirmed, but it has intensified scrutiny of his activities.
Dr. Lipholo’s wife, ’Mathapelo Lipholo, had earlier this year filed a High Court application seeking to prevent his arrest, arguing that he is being targeted for his political beliefs and advocacy. She has also requested protection from the United Nations Security Council, citing concerns for his safety .
