Mmegi

Branch’s world title defence over

Thursday, September 25, 2025 | 50 Views |

Local motorsport hero, Ross Branch, has been forced to withdraw from the 2025 World Rally Raid Championship (W2RC) following a crash in Stage Three of the BP Ultimate Rally Raid in Portugal. Whilst the rider emerged unscathed, his Hero No.1 machine suffered serious damage, ending his hopes of defending the world crown.

The setback is a crushing blow for Branch, who came into the season as the reigning world champion and a beacon of Botswana motorsport on the global stage.

This withdrawal marks the latest in a series of unfortunate events for the 39-year-old, who has now failed to complete three of the four W2RC rounds in 2025.

Already have an active account? Log in here.

Or Sign up and get unlimited access to premium articles.

motorsport

Botswana Parliament in session. PIC MORERI SEJAKGOMO

Understanding the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2025 – Bill: A comprehensive Analysis-Part 1

LETSHWITI TUTWANE | 10 h ago

Teen boy charged with 'murdering' mob member

Larona Makhaiza | 11 h ago

Woman kills brother in Paje murder-suicide

Brilliant Manje | 11 h ago

Vigilante cop, mob attack lead to alleged murder

Larona Makhaiza | 2d ago

Raguin reflects on historic Australian Open journey

Mqondisi Dube | 15 h ago

NDP 12’s small missing piece

Mbongeni Mguni | 23 Jan 2026

Defence objects psychologist's testimony in UB rape case

Larona Makhaiza | 1d ago

FMD cases suspected in North-East

Mbongeni Mguni | 1d ago

Child protection needs more than prevailing laws

The rise in defilement and missing persons cases, particularly over the recent festive period, points not merely to a failure of policing, but to a profound and widespread societal crisis. Whilst the Police chief’s plea is rightly directed at parents, the root of this emergency runs deeper, demanding a collective response from every corner of our community. Marathe’s observations paint a picture of neglect with children left alone for...

The Monitor Editor | 27 January 2026

About us

Mmegi is the leading independent source of breaking news, latest news, current
affairs, Politics, Business, Sport, debates, analysis, and entertainment news in Botswana.

Explore

More