Moorosi Tsiane
THE Basotho Covenant Movement (BCM) leader, Dr Tšepo Lipholo’s much-anticipated sedition trial failed to get off the ground on Tuesday after the State again failed to furnish his legal team with a complete docket.
The High Court Assistant Registrar, Advocate Tebello Mokhoema, postponed the matter to 8 June 2026 after ruling that it was not court-ready, citing the prosecution’s failure to provide the defence with witness statements.
As a result, Dr Lipholo and his lawyer, Advocate Rantšiuoa Lesenyeho, left court without appearing before a judge, with both parties agreeing that the case could not proceed in its current state.
“The Crown has not yet furnished us with the witness statements, so the Assistant Registrar decided to move the matter to later dates because it was clear that the file is not court-ready,” Adv Lesenyeho told the Lesotho Times.
While the defence maintains it is eager for the matter to proceed and be finalised, Adv Lesenyeho said the postponement would at least give his client additional time to prepare, even as they continue waiting for the State to “put its house in order”.
Dr Lipholo was arrested on 4 July 2025 and granted bail in December last year. He is facing several serious charges, including sedition, human trafficking and insulting the Royal Family. He also has a treason charge pending before the Maseru Magistrates Court, which has yet to commence.
High Court Judge ’Maliepollo Makhetha granted him bail on condition that he pays M10 000 and provides a reputable Mosotho as surety in the amount of M100 000.
During the Pre-Trial Planning Stage (PTPS) interview on 9 December 2025, Dr Lipholo declared himself ready to stand trial and accused the State of employing delaying tactics. He complained at the time that he had not been served with a full docket — a situation that remained unchanged on Tuesday.
