- labels them political persecution
- as treason probe continues
Bokang Mofoka
THE Basotho Covenant Movement (BCM) has vehemently condemned the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) for broadcasting “WANTED” portraits of four of its executive members on social media.
BCM has dubbed this an “unfortunate and regrettable” act of political persecution amid ongoing treason investigations.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Lesotho Workers’ Camp in Maseru, BCM public relations officer, Abdulmalik Sekhonyana Molapo, expressed the party’s extreme disturbance over what they termed the “perpetual recalcitrance” of the police force against their members.
“It was only last week when the state announced seven names of our executive committee members in the High Court, associating them with the crime of treason,” Mr Molapo said.
“We refrained from immediate response then. Now, we are confronted and provoked by the additional negative action of broadcasting four names from that list via social media with huge ‘WANTED’ portraits, as if they are hardened and extremely dangerous criminals.”
This after the LMPS posted four individuals – Mosiuoa Matsora, Mpiti Thamae, Kenneth Matee and Obed Makhatseane – on its Facebook page as wanted suspects this past week.
They are accused of conspiring with incarcerated BCM leader, Reverend Tšepo Lipholo, to overthrow the Lesotho government. The charges stem from alleged activities including recruiting youth for military training, preparing a military budget, and soliciting foreign support for reclaiming land in South Africa that was part of Basutoland before 1966.
LMPS spokesperson, Senior Superintendent Mpiti Mopeli, confirmed investigations are ongoing.
Mr Molapo emphasised that targeting their members – described as “renowned pastors and prominent businessmen” – through such public displays was “completely unnecessary, regrettable and unfortunate”. He questioned the police tactics.
“Why post ‘WANTED’ announcements when they have not called, let alone visited them at home? Why not simply issue summons, especially after their names were already read in the High Court?”
The party called on the government to “desist from these frivolous and completely embarrassing actions” and demanded the immediate release of Dr Lipholo who has been in remand prison since his 2 July 2025 arrest. He is awaiting bail judgement.
“We sincerely hope the government allows the peaceful process of land reclamation started by our unlawfully detained leader to proceed and conclude unabated,” Mr Molapo pleaded, warning that the situation could “turn bitter” and affect the ruling government’s performance in the 2027 national elections.
BCM Secretary General, ‘Makananelo Kholisa, intensified the criticism, expressing deep concern over police conduct under Police Commissioner, Advocate Borotho Matsoso.
“We are on the verge of calling police officers our enemies,” she said, alleging inconsistency and dishonesty in police communications.
“Some officers are our relatives. We urge them to return to doing what is right, or else things will go south.”
Ms Kholisa highlighted the paradox of the charges.
“Our executives are accused of treason in Lesotho for fighting for land located in another country. This clearly shows they are captured and sold in their own country.”