Lipholo’s arrest tears nation apart
‘MANT’SANG KHUTLISI
MASERU – Dr Tšepo Lipholo – the leader of Basotho Convenant Movement – BCM was arrested earlier this week in a development that has stirred intense public and political interest across Lesotho.
The arrest, carried out by the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) in collaboration with the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF), follows his ongoing campaign to reclaim parts of South Africa that he claims historically belong to Lesotho.
According to police, Lipholo is charged with provoking public unrest and showing contempt towards the royal house – serious accusations that have added to the controversy surrounding his political activities in recent times.
Contrary to what the police say, the larger public believe he is being intimidated against his desire to reclaim Lesotho’s conquired territories which include all of the South African part of Free State province, large parts of the Eastern Cape and Kwa-Zulu Natal.
Lipholo, who was arrested at his home in Qoaling earlier this week, became famous after he launched a spirirteed bid to reclaim the lands by visiting the United States – US purportedly to plead with the United Nations General Assembly in 2024 to seek official endorsement.
Since then, controversy has followed him like a bad smell – with government and the larger political atmosphere labeling him a rebel ‘that would cause Lesotho and South Africa to fight’.
Reclaiming Lesotho’s lost territories is a hot topic in Lesotho with many Basotho incessantly itching for the expansion of Lesotho since the time of the Basutoland Congress Party – BCP of the late Dr Ntsu Mokhehle.
Mokhehle came to power in 1993 riding on the aspiration that Free State – particulary – would be reclaimed as part of Lesotho.
It never did!
With Mokhehle’s party slowly sinking into oblivion and his vision fading even among Congress parties, many believe the time now is not to start an unnecessary war with South Africa over land.
Lipholo and his growing followership believe otherswise.
At the heart of the divide in public opinion is Lipholo’s push to implement the 1962 United Nations General Assembly Resolution 1817, which he claims supports the restoration of Basotho territory lost during colonial rule. According to Lipholo, these lands include South Africa’s Free State Province and parts of the Eastern Cape areas he says were wrongfully taken from Basotho ancestors.
His motion to have Parliament address this matter has already gained support from seven political parties, African Ark (AA), Basutoland African National Congress (BANC), Basutoland Democratic Congress (BDC), Basotho Economic Enrichment (BEE), Basutoland Total Liberation Congress (BTLC), Bahlabani Ba Tokoloho Movement (BTM), and the Marematlou Freedom Party (MFP) – largely insignificant parties in Lesotho today.
These parties support Lipholo’s view that Lesotho should take legislative steps to recover the lands.
Foreign Affairs minister Lejone Mpotjoane warned Lipholo and co. earlier this year that pursuing such a motion could create serious diplomatic tension between Lesotho and South Africa.
In a February 10 press conference, he revealed that Lipholo had submitted a petition to Parliament calling for action, but that the government refused to adopt it due to the risks of regional conflict and possible strained bilateral relations.
This is arguably why Lipholo’s arrest and the broader land reclamation campaign have sparked widespread public debate. While critics argue that Lipholo’s approach could jeopardize Lesotho’s diplomatic standing, his supporters hail him as a courageous leader defending Basotho heritage and historical justice.
With legal proceedings ongoing and public interest rising, the arrest of Lipholo represents a critical moment in Lesotho’s political history. Whether this event marks the beginning of broader discussions on land, sovereignty, and justice or the silencing of a political dissenter remains to be observed.
