Urgency removed from doping case
Calistus Kolantsho | Tuesday March 3, 2026 12:16
The matter goes for status hearing on April 20. The athletes, Refilwe Murangi, Lydia Jele, Karabo Mothibi and Zibane Ngozi raised the complaints after positive doping tests. Dr Makwati told the court that they needed a bit of time as the matter was no longer urgent.
Dr Makwati said the court had given them time to confer with Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC) and National Anti-Doping Office (NADO) to grant the athletes credentials to access the Anti-Doping Administration and Management System (ADAMS).
“The athletes are demanding their credentials to access the system. When we met with BNOC and NADO, they allowed us to peep in their laptops and other devices, we told them that ADAMS is not about the matter. The system is about giving the athletes access. We do not have a problem with allowing BNOC and NADO to be given time so that they can make those credentials available,” he told Sport Monitor after the first appearance.
Dr Makwati added that it is a narrow issue, instead of informing the athletes their results by a letter, they want to access the system. When asked if the athletes have been refused access, Dr Makwati explained that he could not say whether there was refusal or not.
“I do not know whether to say they are neglecting to or unable but they should have by now. They have given excuses after another as to why they cannot provide credentials. We are not having any of that because they must give us those credentials,” he said.
Dr Makwati said if BNOC and NADO do not give the athletes their credentials, it means the two organisation have something to hide or they are not doing something right.
Meanwhile, Andreck Moakofhi who appeared on behalf of BNOC and NADO said they have opposed the matter filed by the athletes. Furthermore, he said in the spirit of good faith and looking to settle the matter amicably, they have availed DAMS to the athletes.
“We have never been opposed to them to have access to the system. “We have postponed the matter to April 20th to allow the athletes to have access. The system belongs to World Anti Doping Agency (WADA), we will facilitate them to gain access, to enable them to verify their results,” he said.
Moakofhi explained that in terms of the whereabouts policy, athletes should have ADAMS credentials to enable them to log in and provide their whereabouts.
“Currently, we do not have the dispensation. With regards to results management, it is purely an administration role,” Moakofhi said.
The ADAMS system coordinates and simplifies anti-doping activities.
ADAMS is designed to be a secure and cost-free web-based system that centralises doping control-related information such as athlete whereabouts, testing history, laboratory results, the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP), Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs) and information on Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs).