Lesotho opposition leader faces treason charge after South African police find no illegal camps

Tšepo Lipholo, leader of the Basotho Covenant Movement, faces a treason charge at the Maseru Magistrate Court. Court documents show the charge was added after his arrest in July 2025. Lipholo was initially charged with sedition, incitement and contempt of court.

He received bail in December 2025. The treason count alleges he acted with associates between April and June 2025 to overthrow or coerce the government of Lesotho. The charge sheet names former police officer Mpiti Thamae as a co-accused.

It states Lipholo and associates traveled to Mohale's Hoek to seek support for declaring him king of territory in South Africa that he claims belonged to Basutoland before 4 October 1966. According to the documents, Lipholo recruited Basotho men aged 18 to 35 across districts except Mokhotlong for military training conducted by Thamae in South Africa.

The stated purpose was to prepare recruits to forcefully reclaim the territory.

Lipholo is also accused of preparing plans for a shadow cabinet, commissioning a national anthem and designing a national flag for the claimed territory. Additional counts allege he made statements intended to incite hatred against King Letsie III or the government and encouraged annexation of Lesotho as South Africa's 10th province.

In July 2025, heads of Lesotho's security agencies held a joint press conference in Maseru warning that Malata Naha was recruiting youth for military-style training on South African farms.

South African intelligence structures, the Hawks and the South African Police Service later stated they found no evidence of illegal military camps. Police spokesperson Superintendent Thabo Mohai declined to discuss findings, citing ongoing proceedings. A hearing date for the treason charge has not been set.