I have always maintained my innocence – Moagi
Larona Makhaiza | Monday November 2, 2026 06:00
On Thursday, the Gaborone Regional Magistrate Mareledi Dipate acquitted the former minister of Minerals and Energy in a charge involving an alleged P4.7 million payment linked to the award of prospecting licences to New Energy Company (Pty). “I have maintained my innocence you know,” Moagi said to the media after the ruling. “So it’s just that we had to go through the legal process so that it is proven that I am innocent and we can only give thanks to the almighty for this ruling.” Dipate acquitted Moagi saying the ex-minister was not guilty of the offence that was levelled against him by the State.
“The accused is not found guilty and he is thus acquitted,” the Magistrate ruled. The case arose from allegations that Moagi received P4.7 million from New Energy through Wisecreatives Investments (Pty) Ltd on or about April 17, 2024. The prosecution alleged that the payment was a reward for the issuance of eight prospecting licences to New Energy in Gantsi, Tsabong and Tutume during Moagi’s tenure as the portfolio minister. As previously reported by Mmegi, the State sought to establish a link between the alleged payment, Moagi’s access to funds through Wisecreatives and the licensing decisions. During the trial, the prosecutors relied on financial transactions linked to Wisecreatives including the alleged use of the Bank Gaborone card, to argue that he had access to the card that was found inside his car. “The game changer is the receipt of the money. The game changer is the use of the money for personal gain,” the State argued during its submissions at the time.
The State also described the bank card as “the most damning evidence,” arguing that the alleged financial arrangements were connected to the prospecting licences. However, Moagi’s attorney Tengo Rubadiri disputed the prosecution’s interpretation of the transactions arguing that the State had failed to prove that the money was a reward for the licences. “There is no evidence on record that says New Energy has given a reward,” the defence submitted. Rubadiri further highlighted the money was merely a loan agreed upon not a reward. The defence further challenged the claim that the money was available for Moagi’s personal benefit. “There is no evidence that the P4.7 million was at the disposal of my client (Moagi),” the defence argued.
It maintained that the prosecution had failed to establish the necessary connection between the alleged payment and issuance of licenses. “There is no evidence or testimony that we can say, therefore this was a reward,” defence said. Moagi was also backed by State witnesses particularly Deputy Director at the Ministry, Matlhogonolo Samuel, who indicated how New Energy Company applications were processed before reaching final approval. He further confirmed that the applications had gone through the department’s normal procedure and were found compliant.
Based on this, Dipate acquitted Moagi finding that there was no shoddy work done by the latter in respect of the licences. “The awarding of the licences to New Energy were above aboard as they passed through all stages and it was testified to that,” Dipate said. The magistrate further said the state failed to call the directors of Wisecreatives to testify and adduce evidence.
He further lambasted the State for failing to show Moagi influenced the awarding of the licences. However, as Moagi celebrates bout one in respect to the corruption charges levelled against him, the former legislator faces yet another charge of corruption and money laundering. The case is linked to allegations that he improperly benefited from the acquisition of 100 heifers and a bull valued at P417, 500. However, Moagi who was brimming with a smile just outside Broadhurst Magistrate Court stated that he has always maintained his innocence regarding all matters that have been levelled against him. The case is set to be heard on November 6, 2026.