Doping: Botswana’s ticking time bomb

In recent weeks, the entire nation has been left searching for answers as doping cases continue to escalate. This week, Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC) announced two more cases from athletics involving Tshepang Manyika and Mpho Lekwalo who tested positive to Oxymetholone and Stranozolo. Oxymetholone was also detected in samples from Refilwe Murangi, Galaletsang Gabalotegwe, and Kagiso Mogale in June. Is it a coincidence? That’s the big question. If cases continue to spike, it casts doubt on Botswana’s image on the international stage.

Most of the athletes caught up in these scandals are from athletics, but the Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) has maintained that it will not comment on the issue, following instructions from Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC).