Lipholo faces treason

Accused of coup plot, seizing throne, forging new nation

‘MATHATO SEBOKA

MASERU – Incarcerated Basotho Covenant Movement (BCM) leader, Tšepo Lipholo, now faces explosive treason charges, dramatically escalating his legal battles.

Appearing before Magistrate Lebusa Tšosane on Thursday, Lipholo – to the astonishment of his supporters – was slapped with multiple new charges, including high treason. These add to the sedition charges that landed him in prison.

Magistrate Tšosane detailed the grave new allegations. Prosecutors claim Lipholo conspired between April and June 2024 in Qoaling, Maseru district, with seven others – Mosiuoa Matsora, Mpiti Thamae, ‘Mathapelo Motsamai, Morero Sekere, Canneth Mateee, Reverend Obed Makhatseane, and Mahalo Moletsane – to illegally overthrow the government of Lesotho.

The prosecution alleges a multi-pronged plot, usurping territory and the Crown – to which end he is accused of convening communities, chiefs and others in the Mohale’s Hoek district, aiming to have them elect him as “King” of territories historically claimed by Lesotho but lost before independence in 1966.

He is also accused and charged of recruiting a private army. The charge sheet states Lipholo actively recruited youths aged 18-35 across eight districts (all except Mokhotlong), intending to train them as soldiers.

Police officer Mpiti Thamae is alleged to have facilitated this training.

Shockingly, Lipholo is accused of soliciting military support from the United States and Israel to forcibly topple the Lesotho government. He allegedly sought budgets to equip his forces. Further charges claim Lipholo established his own “cabinet,” composed a new national anthem to replace Lesotho’s, and designed a new national flag – acts symbolizing the creation of a rival authority.

Lipholo remains behind bars.

He was initially arrested and charged with sedition for allegedly speaking ill of King Letsie III and inciting violence.

On Tuesday, he appeared before High Court judge, Justice Fumane Khabo, seeking bail, but the Crown vigorously opposed the application citing his pending appeal on the initial charges and now the severity of the new treason allegations.