Tshepo Pilane, the former Acting Director General of the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC), has served a stunning notice of intention to sue the government. He alleges a high-level conspiracy aimed at victimizing him through unlawful demotion and a failure to investigate credible death threats against his life. The legal notice, delivered by the law firm Monthe Marumo & Co on May 5, 2026, names several top officials as respondents: the Attorney General,...

The Court of Appeal (CoA) has overturned a High Court ruling that had halted the multi-million-dollar sale of Mupane Gold Mining’s assets, paving the way for the transaction to proceed. The appellate panel, consisting of Judge President Tebogo Tau, Isaac Lesetedi, and Lot Moroka, set aside an interim interdict that had frozen the liquidation process. The court dismissed the legal challenge from rival bidder Ulsan Botswana, describing it as “drawn from the depths of emptiness.”...

The 2025 Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing National Risk Assessment paints a stark picture of Botswana’s illicit drug market. Marijuana, known locally as dagga or motekwane, claims the lion’s share, with an estimated street value of P48,765,433. Trailing behind is methcathinone, commonly called CAT, valued at P5,696,795, reflecting a worrying rise in its presence.

Before Broadhurst Regional Magistrate Mareledi Dipate, prominent businessman Bakang Seretse challenged a sweeping 63-count indictment, arguing that the state’s lead prosecutor lacks the legal authority to handle the case.  

A P1.57 billion water supply project meant to serve villages in Kgalagadi and Ghanzi has encountered another legal setback. Tawana JV, the consortium awarded the contract after a protracted court battle, has formally rejected a recent Letter of Acceptance from the Ministry of Water and Human Settlement, calling it invalid and legally non-compliant. Following a Court of Appeal ruling on March 27, 2026, which confirmed Tawana JV, a 100% citizen-owned joint venture made up of...

The Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) virus was confirmed on January 29, 2026, when veterinary officials detected an outbreak among domestic cattle at the Jakalas 1 crush in Jakalas village, situated in the Masungu area of the North-East District. By January 31, laboratory testing identified the causative strain as the SAT1 serotype, prompting the immediate suspension of Zone 6b’s prized FMD-free status. FMD remains one of Botswana’s most pressing veterinary and economic challenges. Given the country’s heavy...

Botswana’s 2025 Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing National Risk Assessment Report urges the country to stay vigilant against emerging threats and vulnerabilities.

The long-running battle over the Ncojane Water Supply Works took a sharp turn this week as Tawana JV’s legal team accused senior government officials of orchestrating a sham suspension of the procurement process to sidestep binding court orders. On Monday, May 11, 2026, the law firm Jeremiah Tladi & Co responded to the Attorney General with a blistering claim that the Ministry of Water and Human Settlement is in criminal contempt of both the High...

In a striking judgment that challenges a common legal assumption in Botswana, High Court Judge Dr. Zeinub Kebonang took a firm stand against the widespread notion that alcohol consumption automatically softens criminal responsibility. His ruling, which sentenced Tapologo Makwatse to death for the 2015 murder of his girlfriend, Dipuo Ramalepa, rejects the idea that intoxication can serve as a defense without clear scientific or expert support. Judge Kebonang was explicit in dismissing the accused’s claims...

Biggie Ganda Butale, former minister, legislator, and president of the Botswana Republican Party (BRP), has delivered a clear message: the government has exceeded its authority, and he is prepared to challenge it in court to uphold constitutional limits. Before Attorney General Dick Bayford sits a legal notice from Butale, who intends to contest the administrative removal of specific sections of the Penal Code, namely Section 164. Butale brings this notice in his personal capacity as...