‘Blood not thicker than water in Masisi’s family’

‘Our family is not divided, this is just one of those things,” were the remarks made by some members of the President’s family on the sidelines of court. In court they had to watch in disbelief, as their nephew, Olebile Pilane took the stand detailing how members of the First Family allegedly benefit from government tenders. Pilane is the son to President Mokgweetsi Masisi’s deceased eldest brother, Tshelang Masisi.

Giving sworn testimony, Pilane told the court that he was advised by the Director General (DG) of the Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS), Peter Magosi not to embarrass the family since this matter has the potential to implicate the President. Moreover, he claims that Magosi had cautioned that the opposition could use the matter as ammunition. Pilane further told the court that Magosi emphasised this during a meeting where the latter demanded the former to hand over any trace of the deal and anything that could get the President into trouble.