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Lesotho Exposes Illegal Military Training Camps in South Africa: 'A Direct Threat to National Security

Jul 23, 2025 · 5 min read

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By GlobalZa

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Lesotho security forces reveal paramilitary groups training Basotho nationals on South African farms, with alleged links to land reclamation movement threatening regional stability

The Shocking Discovery

Lesotho's security apparatus has uncovered illegal paramilitary training camps operating on South African soil, where Basotho nationals are allegedly receiving combat instruction. Police Commissioner Borotho Matsoso sounded the alarm during an urgent national address, calling it a "growing threat to the Mountain Kingdom's sovereignty."

"We've identified multiple age groups of Basotho males receiving military-style training at these facilities," Matsoso revealed. "This isn't youthful adventurism - it's organized activity with dangerous implications."

Key Findings:

  • Primary training base located in Free State farmlands
  • Failed attempt to establish secondary camp in Western Cape
  • Recruitment of both Basotho and South African citizens
  • Operations linked to shadowy "Malatana" (Land Reclaimers) movement

Inside the Malatana Movement

The camps appear connected to activists demanding the return of territories lost to South Africa during colonial border demarcations. Matsoso described their alarming methodology:

"They're preparing for armed land reclamation, contrary to our peaceful bilateral agreements. Their rhetoric suggests imminent action."

Disturbing Details:

  • Training includes weapons handling and tactical maneuvers
  • Participants sworn to secrecy under blood oaths
  • High-profile Lesotho MP arrested for alleged involvement

Intelligence suggests foreign funding sources

Bilateral Crisis Emerges

The revelations have triggered emergency diplomatic engagements between Maseru and Pretoria:

  1. Joint Task Force Established
    • Combined intelligence sharing initiated
    • Cross-border raids planned on identified sites
  2. Political Fallout
    • Lesotho PM Samuel Matekane issued red alert
    • SA Defense Ministry conducting aerial surveillance

"This threatens the very foundation of our peaceful coexistence," warned Matsoso, noting the camps violate SADC security protocols.

The Arrested Politician

While withholding names, Matsoso confirmed:

"A sitting parliamentarian is in custody, facing charges of treason and militia organization. This reaches the highest levels of our society."

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