Molale, Salakae make history
Spira Tlhankane | Wednesday October 14, 2026 06:00
Their charges are linked to the controversial P1.45 billion Ghanzi-New Xade road project.
The appearance of the two former Cabinet ministers marked a striking development in a case spanning two administrations.
Investigators allege that decisions made under the BDP government laid the groundwork for a procurement saga that continued after the UDC swept to power in November 2024.
Molale, a former BDP legislator who served as Minister of Transport and Public Works under the previous administration, is accused of abusing his office by directing the appointment of Tau Grading and Building Construction (Pty) Ltd for the road project without competitive procurement.
According to the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC), Molale allegedly instructed his then Permanent Secretary, Kgakgamalo Ken Ketshajwang, to directly appoint the company for a contract valued at P1,455,754,807.37, thereby prejudicing other companies entitled to compete for the government work.
Molale has been charged with one count of abuse of office, contrary to Section 104 of the Penal Code. He was granted a P10,000 bail and two Batswana sureties each bound for P10,000.
His successor, Salakae, a Botswana National Front (BNF) legislator serving under the UDC government, faces allegations that take the case beyond procurement decisions and into the alleged private benefits arising from the same project.
The DCEC alleges that in his capacity as transport minister, Salakae corruptly used his position to influence and ensure the signing of a government contract worth more than P1.5 billion in Tau Grading’s favour.
The alleged rewards include P1.6 million, a Toyota Fortuner valued at P575,000 and bush-clearing services at his in-laws’ farm in Karakubis and Ghanzi Trail Blazers, a bush lodge leased by him.
Prosecutors further allege that the money was used to purchase two portions of Farm No.50-K in Ghanzi.
Salakae was appointed transport minister by President Duma Boko on November 17, 2024, as part of the final batch of 18 ministers appointed after the UDC’s electoral victory.
The DCEC alleges that Salakae corruptly used his position in connection with the contract after the change of government.
However, the charges against the two former ministers remain allegations to be tested in court, and neither has been convicted.
The two former ministers and their co-accused are expected back before the Regional Magistrate’s Court on February 25, 2027, for a case management conference.