Botswana Police have launched a comprehensive investigation into one of Southern Africa’s most influential and widely followed religious organizations, the St Engenas Zion Christian Church (ZCC). This probe was triggered after a substantial and unexplained sum of money was discovered sitting in one of the church’s bank accounts within Botswana, raising serious concerns about potential money laundering activities and the broader financial transparency of religious institutions in the region.
High Court orders permanent stay of sentencing owing to 13-year trial delay This week, Justice Dr. Zein Kebonang of the Gaborone High Court delivered a landmark ruling, ordering an indefinite stay on the sentencing of Dikaleleo Mphakelwa, who stands convicted of murder following an extraordinarily protracted trial spanning a decade. The judicial determination grappled with a significant constitutional issue arising post-conviction, specifically whether the appellant’s constitutional entitlement to a fair hearing within a reasonable timeframe—enshrined...
The African Securities Exchanges Association (ASEA) has placed a crucial spotlight on Choppies Group, congratulating the retail giant for earning a coveted spot among the finalists for the Award: ESG Pioneer of 2025 at the inaugural Pan-African ESG Awards scheduled for November 27. This milestone is much more than a ceremonial accolade, it signals a profound shift in the African corporate landscape, where environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles are becoming indispensable measures of success....
The shelves of opportunity have long been out of reach for many workers in Botswana’s bustling retail sector. Yet a fresh initiative by Choppies Group, one of the nation’s largest retail conglomerates, promises to rewrite that story for its employees. In an era where homeownership remains a distant dream for many, the Choppies building scheme emerges as a bold step towards turning aspirations into tangible bricks and mortar, right in the hands of the workers...
UDC eyeballs Kamal, Bagaisamang over ‘growing indiscipline’ Worried by “indiscipline” from the backbenchers who attack UDC Dr Molutsi says MPs will be assessed in this meeting until 19th Dec The leadership of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) has initiated a rigorous internal oversight campaign in response to what it describes as an alarming rise in indiscipline among some of its Members of Parliament.
Dumelang Saleshando, the Leader of the Opposition (LOO) and President of the Botswana Congress Party (BCP), has delivered a powerful and deeply insightful response to President Duma Boko’s recent State of the Nation Address (SONA). His reply, titled “Going Beyond Promises: Building a Botswana That Works for All,” cuts through the usual political gloss to reveal the harsh and often overlooked realities confronting the country today. More than just a critique, Saleshando’s address lays out...
The Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS) has become the focal point of an increasingly expansive forensic audit, with investigators uncovering what insiders are describing as “rot at its worst.” This phrase hints at a level of corruption and mismanagement within the agency that is more severe and widespread than previously suspected. According to sources close to the inquiry, the DIS initially resisted calls to open its doors to external auditors, creating a tense standoff...
Government shake-ups this week The political maneuvers in Botswana this week erupted with far reaching decisions, marking a shift within the country’s financial and governmental institutions. Coinciding with President Duma Boko’s State of the Nation Address, a series of high-profile leadership shake-ups rocked government and quasi-government agencies, dramatically exposing underlying tensions and questions about governance. The firing of Jennate Makgolo, Commissioner General of the Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS), alongside the mutual separation agreement of...
Pan-African film and television training institution the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) has opened applications for its 2026 intake. All African graduates who aspire to become directors, filmmakers, scriptwriters, producers and storytellers can now apply for fully-funded courses at the industry-leading network of academies. Having recently become part of CANAL+, MultiChoice has rededicated itself to bringing compelling programming to homes on our continent. A powerful way to do this is by empowering young people with filmmaking,...
He is allowed limited laptop and internet access inside prison Convicted former Permanent Secretary to the President, Carter Morupisi, is now positioned to become a key figure in a high-profile forensic audit that aims to expose alleged financial wrongdoing within various branches of Botswana’s government institutions. Morupisi’s involvement as a potential witness is generating considerable interest due to the high-level nature of his former post and the critical insider information he is believed to possess....
