Intoxication Is No Excuse, Rules Judge Kebonang

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...

Butale takes Gov’t to task over gay rights notices

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...

BDP Nears Completion of Constitutional Review

The Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) is nearing the final stages of a comprehensive constitutional review, part of its wider reform agenda. Kentse Rammidi, the party’s Secretary General, confirmed that the process is advanced and expected to be completed soon, with plans to present the revisions to party members before the end of the year. Since taking the helm after the Maun special congress, BDP President Mpho Balopi has emerged as a leading advocate for constitutional...

Amnesty International Exposes Botswana’s Health Care Collapse

Botswana, once hailed as a beacon of stability and prosperity in Southern Africa, now finds itself grappling with a stark public health emergency that has thrust the nation into crisis. Barely two years after a historic election ended over five decades of one-party dominance by the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), the newly elected government led by President Duma Boko and the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) coalition faces an urgent and multifaceted challenge. This crisis...

Festus Mogae passes on: 1939 – 2026

At the age of 86, Festus Gontebanye Mogae, the third president of Botswana, has passed away, marking the end of an era for one of Africa’s most respected leaders. Mogae, who died on May 8, 2026, had been hospitalized in the capital city of Gaborone after falling ill in April.

Masisi reflects on losing power

Former President Mokgweetsi Masisi opened up this week about the forces, both outside and within his party, that led to his stunning defeat in the 2024 general elections, which saw the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) lose control of the government for the first time in nearly six decades.