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Lesotho Opposition Leader Faces Treason Charges

A prominent opposition leader is awaiting trial on treason charges in Lesotho after allegations that he recruited young Basotho men for illicit military training on South African farms.

Tšepo Lipholo, head of the Basotho Covenant Movement (BCM), was arrested in July 2025 after security forces raided his residence, confiscating computers and other equipment.

The prosecution said Lipholo made subversive statements intended to incite hatred and contempt against King Letsie III and the Lesotho government. He faces additional charges of encouraging citizens to push for the total annexation of Lesotho as South Africa's tenth province.

Sechaba Mokhethi/GroundUp

Tšepo Lipholo, leader of the Basotho Covenant Movement, is facing a charge of treason at the Maseru Magistrate's Court.

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