Lesotho and South Africa Unite Against Alleged Military Training Threat

Lesotho and South African authorities are working together to investigate alleged military training camps on South African farms, with Lesotho's police commissioner claiming the camps pose a national security threat. The issue stems from a far-right Basotho movement called the Basotho Covenant Movement (BCM) that aims to reclaim land from South Africa. A high-level bilateral meeting was held between the two countries' police chiefs, where they discussed the growing concerns and agreed to share intelligence and conduct joint investigations. Meanwhile, a Lesotho businessman, Obed Makhatseane, has denied fleeing arrest and claims he is being targeted because of his political affiliation.

Key Takeaways:

• Lesotho and South African authorities are engaged in a joint investigation into alleged military training camps on South African farms, with Lesotho's police commissioner calling it a national security threat.
• The investigation follows reports of alleged Malata Naha training camps on some farms in South Africa, which aims to reclaim land from South Africa.
• Obed Makhatseane, a Lesotho businessman and owner of a South African farm, has denied fleeing arrest and claims he is being targeted because of his political affiliation with the Basotho Covenant Movement (BCM).
• The Basotho Covenant Movement (BCM) has denied all charges, including sedition, insulting the Royal Family, and human trafficking, and dismissed reports of any military training.
• A high-level bilateral meeting was held between the two countries' police chiefs, where they discussed the growing concerns and agreed to share intelligence and conduct joint investigations.
• The Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS), Lesotho Defence Force (LDF), and National Security Services (NSS) have issued a joint statement expressing concern over reported military training activities.

Statistics:

• 2 July 2025: Reverend TA Lipholo, leader of the Basotho Covenant Movement, was arrested at his Qoaling home.
• 7 days: Lesotho and South African authorities agreed to report back within 7 days on the results of their joint investigation.
• Number of alleged Malata Naha recruits: Intelligence has estimated the number of potential recruits, but the exact number is yet to be confirmed.

Sources:

• Senior Superintendent Mpiti Mopeli, Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) spokesperson
• Adv. Borotho Matsoso, Police Commissioner of Lesotho
• Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson
• General Fannie Masemola, National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS)
• Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, Deputy National Commissioner of Policing and NATJOINTS Co-chair
• Reverend TA Lipholo, leader of the Basotho Covenant Movement (BCM)