Lesotho police continue search for treason suspect Tšepo Lipholo
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Lesotho Times
Lesotho’s mounted police are still searching for Tšepo Lipholo, leader of the Basotho Covenant Movement, accused of plotting against the government of King Letsie III. Authorities suspect the opposition figure returned to Israel after a stay in South Africa, according to the police spokesperson and travel documents cited by the Lesotho Times.
Lesotho police are still searching for Tšepo Lipholo, leader of the Basotho Covenant Movement, who is accused of treason, without confirming his whereabouts, the Lesotho Times reports. Superintendent Thabo Mohai, spokesperson for the Lesotho Mounted Police Service, said the arrest warrant for him remained in force.
South African Home Affairs documents seen by the newspaper indicate that Tšepo Lipholo arrived in South Africa from Israel on 13 October 2026 and left on 26 October, reportedly bound for Ethiopia. He is said to have wanted to travel on to Israel. He made a virtual appearance last Saturday in Bloemfontein, where his supporters proclaimed him King of Basutoland.
The search follows a trip to Israel that had already exposed Tšepo Lipholo to the risk of being arrested again, as reported on 9 October in an article about his trip. The politician, who was out on bail, was subject to a travel ban as part of his bail conditions.
