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Molepolole Express, Independence Avenue, Plot 113, Gaborone (2026)

28/08/2026

ANOTHER ACCUSED TO BE ADDED IN SALAKAE CORRUPTION CASE

GOITSEMANG MILLION

The high-profile corruption case involving former Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Noah Salakae will see another accused person added when it returns to court, the Directorate of Public Prosecutions has confirmed.

Appearing before Regional Magistrate Mareledi Dipate in Gaborone, DPP Director Mr. Kgosietsele Ngakaagae told the court that due diligence on a further suspect had been completed and a decision taken to charge them alongside the current accused. The State said the name would not be disclosed until the person is notified through proper channels. The matter was mentioned for arraignment and will be back in court on October 9 for further proceedings.

The accused currently before court are Tau Grading and Building Construction (Pty) Ltd, Seby Jose, Hugo Johannes Lamcke, Christian Rudolf Lamcke, Noah Salakae, Kgakgamalo Ketshajwang, former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport, and Mompati Sepego, attorney. The charges range from abuse of office, corruption, corrupting a public officer, to money laundering.

At the centre of the case is the award of the P1.45 billion to P1.5 billion Ghanzi–New Xade road project, a 125km road meant to connect remote western communities. The State alleges that between November 1, 2024 and July 30, 2025, Tau Grading acted with others to corruptly influence Salakae. The alleged inducements include P1.6 million in cash, a Toyota Fortuner 2.8 valued at P575,000, and bush-clearing services*. Prosecutors further claim the P1.6 million was moved through a bank account belonging to lawyer Mompati Sepego as part of money laundering.

Kgakgamalo Ketshajwang also faces a separate abuse-of-office charge over the direct appointment of Tau Grading, which the State alleges bypassed normal procurement procedures.

Salakae, who was appointed to Cabinet by President Duma Boko after the October 2024 General Election, resigned last week to focus on his legal battle. He denies all allegations and has accused the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) of a “1.5 year campaign of harassment”.

Addressing constituents in Gantsi, Salakae said the procurement for the road was already completed by the previous government before he took office. He also dismissed claims that he transferred P3 million or P10 million to siblings, saying the DCEC has produced no bank records to support it. Salakae told Parliament and his supporters that he briefed President Boko about the case and “will not soil his name”.

The case is being closely watched as one of the first major corruption prosecutions under the new administration. DCEC has rejected suggestions that the investigation is politically motivated.

Next mention is on the October 9 at Gaborone Regional Magistrate Court

Photos credit 📸; dailynews BW

25/08/2026

ARAFAT KHAN FOUNDATION LAUNCHES SCHOOL RENOVATIONS

The Arafat Khan Foundation has commenced preparations for a comprehensive school renovation and maintenance initiative in Molepolole North Constituency, aimed at improving the learning environment for learners across the constituency.

As part of this initiative, the Foundation has delegated Nominated Councillor Tshwaragano Motswagole and Cde Marco Maitewa to work closely with the respective Area Councillors in identifying priority areas and coordinating the initial process of school renovations and maintenance.

The Foundation will also embark on an engagement and fundraising drive targeting the business community, development partners and other stakeholders to mobilise financial and material resources required for the programme.

In addition, the Foundation is currently in discussions with Molepolole Prisons and the BDF Thebephatswa Air Base regarding possible collaboration and support towards the renovation and maintenance of schools in Molepolole North.

The initiative is driven by a simple conviction: our children deserve safe, functional and conducive learning environments.

We recognise that Government has the primary responsibility for the provision and maintenance of public schools. However, where communities, businesses, institutions and other stakeholders can complement these efforts, we must be willing to work together in the best interests of our children.

The Arafat Khan Foundation therefore calls upon the business community and other well-wishers to partner in this important initiative.

24/08/2026

KHAN FOUNDATION PLEDGED MEDICINES

The Arafat Khan Foundation, in consultation with the District Commissioner’s Office, has pledged to assist with the purchase of essential medicines and tablets that are currently unavailable at clinics within Molepolole North.

As an interim measure, the Foundation will source these essential medicines from a local pharmacy to ensure that residents who urgently need them are not left without assistance.

I am fully aware that the shortage of medicines is a national concern. Government is working around the clock to stabilise the situation and restore consistent availability of medicines at our health facilities.

This initiative is therefore intended strictly as a temporary intervention, aimed at supporting and complementing Government’s ongoing efforts.

We are currently awaiting the necessary go-ahead from the relevant stakeholders, after which we will commence rolling out this initiative.

The people of Molepolole North deserve access to essential healthcare, and we will continue to do our part to support our communities.We also intend to extend the initiative to Molepolole South once we have assisted Molepolole North

Arafat Khan Foundation
Serving Our Community.

17/08/2026

GOVERNMENT INTENSIFIES FMD RESPONSE AS CASES DECLINE

GOITSEMANG MILLION

Government of Botswana has scaled up its national response to Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) after outbreaks recorded earlier this year led to several zones losing their FMD-free status.

The FMD Technical Team on Monday briefed BDF Commander General Mpho Mophuting on the national response at the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) in Gaborone. Technical Committee Chairperson Mr Gordon Molefe said the NEOC was activated in January 2026 following a Presidential Directive after FMD was detected.

Mr Molefe said government has committed *P97 million* to the response. This includes the deployment of *149 vehicles, 25 veterinary control points, 17 base camps, 653 police officers and soldiers, and 100 other operatives*.

“Government is not doing it alone. The community is heavily involved, and the business community and private sector are also with us,” he said.
The coordinated response has enabled Botswana to confine the disease to detected areas in the north-west and south.

Giving an update, Director of Veterinary Services Dr Kobedi Segale confirmed that several zones have had their FMD-free status suspended following outbreaks.
Zones affected include *3C-Dukwi, 4B, 5, 6B, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13*. Zones *4A, 3B and 7* remain recognised as FMD-free.
According to Dr Segale, Zone 3C-Maitengwe and Zone 6B had their status suspended after outbreaks in January and February 2026, with further suspensions following an outbreak in Zone 11 in March 2026. Cattle and kudu are the affected species.

Dr Segale said the FMD response is focused on eradicating the disease through emergency vaccination, livestock movement controls, surveillance and tracing.
He added that recorded cases are now declining, indicating progress in containing the outbreak.
“Government will continue implementing the measures until FMD is eradicated and affected zones regain their disease-free status,” he said.

14/08/2026

“SOAR LIKE AN EAGLE" - VP GAOLATHE TELLS KGALE HILL STUDENTS

GOITSEMANG MILLION

The Vice President and Minister of Finance, Ndaba Gaolathe, paid a visit to Kgale Hill Junior Secondary School this week with a strong message for learners to love learning and aiming higher.

Gaolathe urged the students to stay hungry for knowledge and to always strive to be the best versions of themselves. He said this is what will take them to greater heights in life.

To drive the point home, he compared them to an eagle. "An eagle flies higher than all other birds. It doesn’t feed on rotten food, it goes for fresh prey. It has the vision to see what others cannot see. Be exceptional like that eagle," he told the excited learners.

The VP also got personal and shared his own journey. He said he was inspired by his uncle who was studying Computer Science in Canada. That encouragement pushed him to further his studies in the United States of America. He advised students to also ask their parents, uncles and aunties how they achieved success in life.

Gaolathe further encouraged the students to dream together and support each other to succeed. He thanked Headmaster Motlhanka and the teachers for their hard work in producing top students.

He closed by challenging the learners to do great things for their families, their country, and to bring out the best in those around them.

*Picture credits : BW Government

13/08/2026

SEEMO SA METSI SA MOLEPOLOLE — DELIVERY IS COMING 💧

For far too long, the people of Molepolole have endured a water crisis that has affected households, businesses, schools and our entire community. This cannot continue. Water is not a privilege,it is a basic necessity and a fundamental human right.

Two weeks ago, I received confirmation from the Ministry of Finance that the Vice President and Minister of Finance, His Honour Mr Ndaba Gaolatlhe, approved approximately P3.5 billion for the Molepolole Water and Sanitation Project.

This week, I engaged the Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) for an update. I have been informed that procurement procedures are currently underway, with the process expected to be concluded by the end of October.

Our expectation is clear: by early December, contractor(s) should be on the ground in Molepolole.

This is what responsible government must look like—identifying a problem, mobilising resources, following due process and delivering solutions.

I commend the UDC Government for prioritising the Molepolole Water and Sanitation Project. The people of Molepolole have waited long enough. They do not need excuses, political rhetoric or empty promises. They need water,and this Government is taking decisive steps to deliver it.

As the Member of Parliament for Molepolole North, I will continue to push, monitor and hold the relevant authorities accountable until this project is delivered and water flows reliably in Molepolole.

Molepolole must get water. Molepolole will get water. Metsi ke botshelo

12/08/2026

NO BAIL FOR MOKGWATHISE MURDER CONVICT

GOITSEMANG MILLION

Chief Justice Gaolapelwe Ketlogetswe has shut down bail hopes for Clifford Nonofo Nthebolang, one of the men convicted for the 2015 murder of gospel star Mosimanegape “Morse” Mokgwathise.

Nthebolang had applied for bail while waiting for mitigation and sentencing. But the Chief Justice told him the charge of murder does not attract a suspended sentence — and that he should expect a custodial sentence.

Justice Ketlogetswe said bail cannot be granted during the hearing of mitigation, extenuating circumstances and sentencing.

Nthebolang was convicted alongside Mokgwathise’s wife, Yvonne Mokgwathise, and Phemelo Thekoetsile for the murder of the gospel artist at Mogojogojo on 9 March 2015 after acting together.

The court heard Morse was found dead behind a pit latrine at his home with a stab wound under his left armpit. It appeared he had been stabbed with a sharp object.

In its findings, the court said Yvonne had been planning to kill her husband for some time after developing hatred towards him, and that she eventually found the two men who were willing to carry out the killing.

The matter will be mentioned on 19 August pending finalisation of court records and the hearing of mitigation, extenuating circumstances and sentencing.

11/08/2026

BOTSWANA NEEDS TO DIVERSIFY OR RISK A DIAMOND SLUMP CRUSH

GOITSEMANG MILLION

The African Development Bank has made it clear that Botswana’s diamonds no longer have the capacity to carry its economy. The global decline in diamond prices is reported to be exposing Botswana’s economic hardships. From falling mineral prices to bigger deficits, spiking public debts and stubborn unemployment.

“Botswana’s long-term prosperity will depend not merely on mobilising more finance, but on deploying capital more effectively towards productive investment and structural transformation,” said Moono Mupotola, AfDB Deputy Director General for Southern Africa. He emphasized that to save the economy of the country, Botswana does not only need more money but needs smart money.

Botswana has a strong starting point to diversification. Some of the starting points that were highlighted included the country’s strong institutions, its high worker’s output , a moderate public debt and more than P2.7 billion saved through government procurement. According to the AFDB report, Botswana’s reliance on capital intensive mining is unsustainable.

The Vice President and Minister of Finance Ndaba Gaolathe stated that government is working on strengthening project preparation, pushing public - private partnerships and reforming capital markets.

“Capital follows credibility” Gaolathe told delegates, highlighting that Botswana Economic Transformation Programme must work on making all their projects investor ready.

The report states that Botswana has the right foundation to diversify but in order to create job -rich growth beyond mining, there is a need to invest in new industries.

Diamonds built us. What builds us now?

Picture Credit: BW Government

10/08/2026

KOPONG MURDER CASE POSTPONED AS ACCUSED REFUSES TO APPEAR

GOITSEMANG MILLION

Drama unfolded in the Gaborone High Court on Monday after Moagi Letsholo, the first accused in the 2022 Kopong murder case, refused to attend his scheduled mention.

Letsholo told the court he would only appear if served with a written order. He was already in court for another matter before Justice Bafi Nlanda and claimed he had no knowledge that his murder case was also set for mention before Justice Oteng Motlhala.

Prosecutor Seeletso Ookedise told the judge that Letsholo was present at court but insisted on proper documentation before proceeding.

Legal representation also hit a snag after Letsholo’s lawyer, Kole Koke, stepped down. Mr Koke cited a conflict of interest, revealing he is related to Dr Kefilwe Seema, whose aunt was the deceased.

Letsholo faces murder charges together with Leuftu Gaolemogwe Kosie, Kebaleboge Ntsebe, and Outlwile Aston, the husband of the deceased. Barulaganye Aston, a teacher at Kopong Junior Secondary School, was found dead at her home on 14 July 2022.
The matter has now been pushed to 4 November for a status hearing to give the remaining accused time to get lawyers

08/08/2026

PARLIAMENT REJECTS LUCAS MOTION ON RESIDENTIAL PLOTS

GOITSEMANG MILLION

Parliament has rejected a motion by Bobirwa MP Taolo Lucas that sought to compel Government to allocate residential plots to all persons on the waiting list within the next three years.

The motion aimed to facilitate home ownership for a significant proportion of Batswana by clearing the residential plots backlog in three years.

Minister of Lands and Agriculture Dr Edwin Dikoloti opposed the motion during debate in Parliament yesterday. While acknowledging that every Motswana aspires to own a home, Dr Dikoloti said land ownership remains key to wealth creation, social security, dignity, and national pride.

However, he argued that although the objective of the motion was noble, the proposal was neither practical nor achievable within the stated timeframe. Dr Dikoloti said Parliament has a duty to adopt resolutions that are realistic, affordable and capable of implementation, adding that it would be irresponsible to commit Government to an undertaking that cannot reasonably be fulfilled.

The motion was defeated after a vote. Of the 40 members present, 11 voted in favour, 25 voted against, 1 abstained and 3 did not participate.

An amendment to the motion moved by Moshupa-Manyana MP Karabo Gare was also rejected. The amendment proposed that Government commit to allocating plots to 50% of persons on the waiting list within three years. Of the 38 members present for that vote, 10 voted yes, 27 voted no and 1 abstained.

Molepolole Express

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