SAPS
By Nkosana Khumalo
SAPS intensifies probe into alleged Basotho military training camps on South African farms. The South African Police Service has stepped up its efforts to investigate claims that Basotho nationals are receiving military-style training on local farms as part of a campaign to reclaim ancestral land. This follows serious allegations from Lesotho authorities about a growing insurgency threat, with no evidence uncovered so far during searches at identified sites.
The matter came to light during a recent Board of Commissioners meeting, where National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola gathered with all nine provincial commissioners to review crime-fighting strategies across the country. The Board of Commissioners serves as the top decision-making body in the police service, bringing together provincial and divisional commissioners along with the acting head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, known as the Hawks.
During the discussions, General Masemola voiced his approval of ongoing operations that are breaking up organised crime groups, leading to arrests and disruptions. However, the spotlight fell on comments from Lesotho Police Commissioner Advocate Borotho Matsoso about supposed training camps in South Africa. A preliminary update from the police Crime Intelligence Division was shared, showing that intelligence teams have ramped up their work to check these claims and, if needed, shut down any unlawful operations.
The Hawks’ Crimes Against the State unit has joined the effort, carrying out searches at several farms pinpointed as possible sites. To date, no proof of such activities has been discovered. General Masemola has personally contacted Advocate Matsoso to talk about the accusations. Both leaders agreed that their intelligence units are actively working on the ground to verify if these camps exist.
General Masemola has reassured everyone in South Africa that protecting the nation’s safety and security is the top priority. He stressed that anyone caught breaking the law will face strong action. Intelligence officers are fully engaged in gathering facts to address the situation. The police have called on the public to stay calm, noting that law enforcement in both countries is on high alert.
Lesotho Authorities Raise Alarm Over Insurgency Threat
In a rare joint media session at police headquarters in Maseru, leaders from the Lesotho Defence Force, Lesotho Mounted Police Service, and other security bodies warned of a rising danger. They described it as a national security risk involving the enlistment and military preparation of Basotho young people on South African farms.
The officials pointed to a group named Malata Naha, meaning land reclaimers, which they say is supported by outside forces and spreading false information to attract recruits to its bases. When pressed for more on the training, Commissioner Matsoso said the matter is under review and details could not be shared yet. He confirmed cooperation with South African officials.
This setup shows obvious signs of revolt against the Lesotho government, Matsoso stated. Such actions break local laws and could upset peace, safety, and ties with nearby nations, particularly South Africa. He labelled the group as involved in human trafficking and terrorism.
The security teams also disclosed that well-known figures, such as members of parliament and church leaders, are being looked into for possibly backing the rebel efforts. No proof was given for these statements. What stands out is their total lack of respect and open mockery of the royal family and His Majesty the King, using rude and coarse words, the statement added.
Authorities in Lesotho maintain they have solid information about Basotho of various ages getting this military-style instruction at certain farms in South Africa. The group appears set to take control, and the programme could harm regional peace and security. Some South African citizens have reportedly been drawn into the training at unnamed farms.
Arrest of Political Leader Sparks Controversy
The briefing followed the detention of Tshepo Lipholo, head of the Basotho Covenant Movement, a political group pushing for the recovery of lands taken from Lesotho. These include the whole Free State province and sections of KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape, and Northern Cape.
Lipholo, who is also a member of parliament, was taken into custody on 2 July and is still held. He faces charges of sedition, incitement, and contempt linked to remarks he allegedly made about the royal family. He is seeking bail in the High Court of Lesotho, but the state is fighting his release.
Lipholo has been at the forefront, urging that parts of South Africa be recognised as Lesotho’s territory and returned to its control. Earlier this year, he went to the United Nations to file a claim for land lost in colonial times. However, Lesotho’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations made clear that he acted alone, and the government did not approve the visit.
He is accused of harming the honour and standing of Lesotho’s royal family by calling himself the paramount chief of Basotholand and pushing young Basotho to ready for armed conflict. Audio recordings spreading on social media are said to back these accusations.
Prime Minister Samuel Matekane released a statement on the arrest, saying the government had found out about plans meant to shake peace, security, and stability in the nation. This has led to the arrest of the Honourable Dr Lipholo, a member of the 11th Parliament. The public should know that police probes into the actions of the Honourable Member and others are continuing and will go to court, Matekane said.
Let me be clear. There is nothing wrong with the desire to reclaim what Basotho believes is theirs. However, when actors hijack such a cause by inciting violence and breaking the law, the cause loses its noble nature. This desire was expressed before, particularly during the constitutional reform consultations. At the appropriate time, in consultation with other leaders and the public, the government will address this issue.
Matekane called on the nation to turn away from reckless actions that weaken peace, stability, and growth.
Opposition Disputes Claims as Political Meddling
Machesetsa Mofomobe, leader of the Basotho National Party and a member of parliament, has spoken out against the security leaders’ statements. He said they are out of line and tricking the public with lies.
Mofomobe has openly backed Lipholo and his goal to recover Lesotho’s lost lands. He argued that if a group was really training fighters in South Africa, the South Africans would have spoken up and made arrests, but all is quiet.
Instead, this is picked up by Lesotho saying that people are training in the country that they intend to attack, and South Africa is doing nothing about it. He charged the security heads with playing politics. They are engaging in political games, and their actions have turned the security institutions into allies of this government.
Historical Context of Land Disputes
The land in question was once home to Basotho people, a Bantu ethnic group that makes up most of Lesotho’s population. Last year, a proposal was brought to Lesotho’s parliament to take back large areas from South Africa, declaring the entire Free State and other regions as part of the mountain kingdom.
These disputes stem from colonial times when borders were drawn, leading to losses for Lesotho. The Basotho Covenant Movement has been vocal in its drive to correct what it sees as historical wrongs.
Ongoing Investigations and Public Reassurance
South African crime intelligence has heightened its checks into the reports of illegal military training camps tied to Lesotho. Searches have focused on farms near the border, but nothing has been found yet.
The Hawks national spokesperson noted that they have seen the reports and are forming a team to examine the issue. Police urge calm, with both nations’ forces watchful.
This situation highlights the delicate balance between historical grievances and current peace in the region. While the wish to reclaim land is understood, any move towards violence is firmly opposed by leaders on both sides.
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