Lesotho MP Charged with Sedition After Accusing King of ‘Selling Nation to South Africa’

By iNewsAfrica Correspondent

Maseru, Lesotho | July 17, 2025 — A political storm has erupted in the mountain kingdom of Lesotho after opposition Member of Parliament, Dr. Tshepo Lipholo, was arrested and charged with sedition for publicly accusing King Letsie III and the government of signing away the country’s sovereignty to neighboring South Africa.

King Letsie III

The shocking allegation, which triggered national outrage and swift legal action, was made during a political rally last week. Dr. Lipholo, leader of the Basotho Covenant Movement, claimed the monarch had secretly “signed the country over to South Africa,” a statement authorities say not only defames the King but also endangers Lesotho’s constitutional order.

“This reckless accusation attacks the integrity of the monarchy and incites public instability,” a government prosecutor told iNewsAfrica. “It’s not just defamation—it’s sedition.”

Dr. Lipholo, known for his controversial calls for closer integration with South Africa, remains in police custody and has yet to seek bail. His supporters argue that the arrest is a politically motivated attempt to silence dissent and stifle national dialogue on Lesotho’s future.

“This is about freedom of speech,” said one party member. “He is being punished for questioning the status quo.”

Lesotho’s monarchy, while largely ceremonial, holds symbolic authority in the country’s constitutional democracy. The royal palace has not publicly commented on the matter, but insiders say the King was “deeply hurt” by the accusations.

The incident has reignited public debate over Lesotho’s economic dependence on South Africa and whether closer ties—or even eventual unification—could benefit the nation of 2.3 million. But critics warn that inflammatory rhetoric could destabilize an already fragile political landscape.

If convicted, Dr. Lipholo could face a prison sentence and disqualification from Parliament. Legal experts say the case will test the boundaries between free expression and national security in Lesotho’s democratic framework.

As the story unfolds, all eyes remain on Maseru’s courts—and on the fate of a politician who dared to accuse a king.