The case was heard at the Lobatse High Court before Justice Boipuso Makhwe on Tuesday. Attorney Ofentse Khumomotse represented the Bakwadi committee whilst Kealeboga Magope was on the corner for the interim committee, which was installed soon after the ouster. But Justice Makhwe declared that the removal of a lawful and constitutionally appointed executive committee was "unconstitutional". She also declared the appointment of the interim executive committee was "unconstitutional and thus a nullity and of no force and effect". The respondents in the matter were Moses Tubego, Boitumelo Koone, Bose Caiphus, Veronica Chube, Kaone Molefe, Amos Sianga, Moemedi Mpebe, Clifford Tshosa, Keorapetse Mogopodi, Ookeditse Malesu, Etololang Serumola, Kealeboga Madisa, Phenyo Seiteo, Lemogang Koolepole, Mpho Kenosi, Dick Othusitse, and Angelo Tlagae who are part of the interim committee. The two parties will return to court on March 19 for arguments after Makhwe's order that the matter was urgent. When the case resumes, the executive committee wants resolution of a Special General Meeting to be set aside.
The Bakwadi-led committee was removed after a SGM held on February 8, 2025. Reacting to the court ruling, BOKA secretary-general, Francois Alberts, said in a statement that the outcome confirms that the current executive committee remains the only legitimate governing body of karate in Botswana. “The court’s ruling reinforces the rule of law and governance structures, preventing any unauthorised individuals from masquerading as BOKA representative or engaging in activities under the association’s name,” the statement reads. Alberts said the fraudulent group is barred from conducting any activities, issuing statements, or making decisions under the name of BOKA and that any attempts to do so will constitute contempt of court and may result in legal penalties. “Any decisions, agreements, or representations made by this group under BOKA’s name hold no legal weight and are considered null and void. The ruling protects the association from further reputation damage and ensures that only its legitimate leadership governs karate affairs in Botswana,” the statement further reads.
For his part, interim president, Keorapetse Mogopodi, said the court order has brought a significant development in the legal dispute involving BOKA against its members, marking a critical moment for karate nationwide. “The case was closely followed by the martial arts community, centres around the ousted BOKA committee and the interim committee. Our position as the interim committee is to defend our position against the ousted BOKA leadership when we go back to the High Court on March 19,” he said. Mogopodi said they respect the court’s ruling and remain committed to respecting the outcome. He informed the karate community to wait for the final outcome of the court. “The truth will prevail and all activities that were planned for tomorrow have been postponed to a later date,” Mogopodi said.
