Anna Mokgethi, Minister of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs, is accused by attorney Lesedi Moahi, the new executor of the late Abdul Joseph's estate, of failing to account for millions of Pula. Moahi, who replaced Mokgethi as executor, claims there is no record or information evidencing her performance of obligations related to the estate, as per the Administration of Estates Act. Moahi's lawyers are demanding over P2 million from Mokgethi.

Victims of the Ecoplexus scam in Botswana are urging Finance Minister Peggy Serame to intervene, criticizing First National Bank Botswana (FNBB) and the Bank of Botswana for their alleged roles in the fraud. The victims claim FNBB facilitated the scam and failed to alert customers, while the central bank did not take action against FNBB. They demand FNBB's operating license be revoked and seek compensation for their losses. FNBB and the Bank of Botswana deny responsibility, with the latter stating it had warned against pyramid schemes.

A whistle-blower has filed a report with the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime, alleging irregularities in a Botswana Police Services tender and calling for President Mokgweetsi Masisi to intervene. The report criticizes the restricted tendering process for the construction of 28 police stations, highlighting issues of transparency, fairness, and the qualifications of selected companies. The whistle-blower urges an independent investigation and a shift to an open and competitive tender process to ensure the responsible use of public funds.

Botswana's judiciary is facing a significant crisis, with multiple judges filing applications against Chief Justice Terrence Rannowane, alleging judicial interference and misconduct. The Law Society of Botswana (LSB) has called for the Chief Justice's resignation and has taken legal action to compel President Mokgweetsi Masisi to establish a tribunal to investigate the allegations. The LSB's report highlights deepening concerns about the judiciary's independence and integrity, urging immediate action to address the crisis.

The United Nations has criticized Botswana's national budget for failing to address high unemployment and inequality, particularly among women. The UN's updated Common Country Analysis highlights the lack of emphasis on skills development, gender budgeting, and investment in employment-intensive sectors. The report also points out that Botswana's development performance is more akin to lower-income countries despite its upper middle-income status. The UN calls for robust policies to address the country's high inequality, unemployment, and poverty rates, especially among women.

Correspondence between Tsodilo Resources and Botswana's government reveals allegations of sabotage as the company’s exploration license near the Okavango Delta was not renewed. Managing Director James Bruchs claims the government’s actions are inconsistent with previous encouragement and legal compliance, suggesting a shift in attitude since 2021. The company has taken legal action, citing significant financial damages and lack of clear communication from the Department of Mines. Government officials, including Minister of Minerals Lefoko Moagi, maintain that activities within the Okavango Delta buffer zone are prohibited, emphasizing environmental protection.

Botswana is experiencing a regression in its political and economic freedoms, as highlighted by the Fraser Institute's 2023 report. The report notes that the stability and good leadership choices that once underpinned Botswana's liberal policies are diminishing. Alarming signs include concerns over human rights, political infighting, and a decline in economic freedom scores. The United Nations and the US State Department have also criticized Botswana's human rights record. The Botswana Democratic Party's vote share has significantly declined, and political rifts have emerged, exemplified by the arrest warrant for former President Ian Khama. Despite these challenges, the report suggests that with the right policies, Botswana can overcome its current stagnation.

The UK’s recent ban on the import of hunting trophies has sparked significant debate in Southern Africa, with various stakeholders expressing differing views on its impact on conservation and local communities. While some, like former Botswana President Ian Khama, argue that photographic tourism is more beneficial, others, including Siyoka Simasuku of NCONGO, believe that trophy hunting generates crucial revenue for conservation and community development. Organizations such as the Community Leaders Network (CLM) and the Namibian Chamber of Environment (NCE) are actively lobbying against the ban, emphasizing the need for sustainable trophy hunting practices. The article highlights the complex interplay between conservation efforts, economic benefits, and the differing perspectives on the best strategies to protect wildlife.

Botswana's rule of law has deteriorated more rapidly under President Mokgweetsi Masisi compared to his predecessor, according to a report by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation. Despite this, Botswana remains among Africa's top three countries in governance. The report highlights a broader decline in security and rule of law across Africa over the past decade, with 32 countries experiencing a decline. Former Namibian President Hifikepunye Pohamba expressed concern over these findings, emphasizing the need for corrective measures. The report also notes that higher GDP does not necessarily correlate with better governance.

Labour and Home Affairs Minister Annah Mokgethi faces new legal challenges over the estate of the late Abdul Joseph. Attorney Lesedi Moahi, acting as Executor of the Estate, has issued formal summons against Mokgethi, accusing her of breaching fiduciary and statutory responsibilities. Mokgethi is alleged to have improperly billed the estate for administration costs and legal fees without necessary approvals, amounting to P2,752,904.94. Moahi seeks repayment of these funds with interest and an itemized bill of costs for taxation.

Botswana authorities, including the Botswana Police Service, are investigating former acting High Court judge Rahim Khan's controversial relationship with Emirates Airlines and Africa's biggest retailer, Checkers/Shoprite. Documents reveal that customers and banks had previously questioned the relationship between Dibeko Investments, directed by Khan and Ebrahim Kajee, and Emirates. Despite complaints, no measures were taken to address the anomalies, leading to further complications, including employee retrenchments and a complaint lodged with the Law Society of Botswana.

First National Bank Botswana (FNBB) customers who lost millions to the Ecoplexus ponzi scheme have petitioned the Bank of Botswana to revoke FNBB's banking license, accusing the bank of being an accessory to fraud and failing to protect its clients.

State President Minister Kabo Morwaeng and Minister of Agriculture Fidelis Molao are under investigation by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) for alleged interference in the judiciary. The Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) has filed a complaint, citing instances where court orders were allegedly leaked to Morwaeng and statements by Molao suggesting political influence over judicial decisions. The complaint also implicates Lobatse High Court Judge Michael Motlhabi. The BPF calls for a thorough investigation to protect the judiciary from political interference.

The Botswana government's decision to purchase 161 breeding cattle from the United States has led to a potential class action lawsuit by public servants working in Artificial Insemination (AI) camps. The employees, including senior inseminators and agricultural assistants, have raised concerns about long working hours, lack of compensation for standby duty, hazardous working conditions, and inadequate living facilities. They have sought an administrative resolution but are prepared to take legal action if their grievances are not addressed.

A legal battle is unfolding between the Botswana government and retired Botswana Defence Force (BDF) members over a pension dispute. The retired soldiers, represented by five members, argue that their transition to the Botswana Public Officers Pension Fund Scheme (BPOPF) was illegal and seek to proceed with a class action. Justice Michael Leburu of the High Court approved the class action, citing commonality of issues and the practicality of collective litigation. The government opposes the class action, arguing that individual claims should be litigated separately. The case is now set to be appealed.

Botswana's decision to donate 8000 elephants to Angola has sparked concerns due to Angola's history of rampant poaching and poor conservation efforts. Experts question the practicality and cost of the translocation, suggesting funds could be better spent on local conservation. The decision comes as the KAZA region awaits the results of a 2022 elephant census, which aims to inform long-term conservation policies.

Expelled Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) member Biggie Ganda Butale has notified the National Executive Committee (NEC) of his intent to cite them for contempt of court amid the party's ongoing crisis. Butale's lawyers have issued a letter warning the NEC to cease misleading the public and retract the purported suspension and expulsion of Butale. The letter references a court order from April 2023 and highlights unauthorized actions by NEC members. The legal dispute underscores internal conflicts within the BPF, with Butale challenging the legitimacy of the NEC's actions.

Brigadier Peter Magosi, Director General of the Directorate of Intelligence and Security, faces a High Court subpoena related to a legal dispute involving a P200 million cheque issued to the Botswana Democratic Party by Pre-Con Construction. The case, initiated by Pilane, President Mokgweetsi Masisi’s nephew, centers on a half-billion-pula water tender awarded to G & M Building Services. Pilane alleges corruption involving his aunt, Phadi Mmutle, and others, who he claims ousted him from the project. The case also implicates Chinese contractor Huashi Li and BDP treasurer Satar Dada.

The Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS) in Botswana faces a class action lawsuit from over 300 officers for failing to settle payment arrears despite instructions from the Ministry of State President and budget allocations from the Ministry of Finance. Leaked documents reveal that the Ministry of State President issued a savingram to ensure compliance with a Court of Appeal order, but the DIS has not yet complied. The Attorney General temporarily halted the class action by sharing the savingram with the agents' lawyers, but the issue remains unresolved.

The Botswana government faces criticism for its handling of a recent rhino poaching incident at Khama Rhino Sanctuary, where seven rhinos were killed and dehorned. Security measures at the sanctuary are questioned, and the government's response is seen as inadequate and evasive. Former President Ian Khama condemns the current administration's approach to wildlife conservation, while President Mokgweetsi Masisi suggests Khama may have prior knowledge of poaching incidents. The issue has become a point of political contention, with accusations of negligence, incompetence, and corruption. Conservation reports also criticize Botswana's anti-poaching efforts, though officials dispute these claims.

President Mokgweetsi Masisi’s sister and a Chinese contractor are seeking legal exoneration from allegations of corruption and illegal shareholding in a government water tender worth millions. The case, filed in the Gaborone High Court, involves accusations that they bankrolled the Botswana Democratic Party and unlawfully removed a shareholder from the company. The defendants argue that the allegations are vague and legally unsustainable. The dispute centers on a half-a-billion-pula water tender and involves multiple parties, including Masisi’s family members and business associates.

Botswana is under scrutiny by UNESCO for granting an oil exploration license to Reconnaissance Energy Botswana in the Okavango Delta, a World Heritage Site. Botswana's report to UNESCO acknowledges the potential environmental risks and commits to rigorous Environmental and Social Impact Assessments, as well as ongoing collaboration with Angola and Namibia. UNESCO has expressed significant concerns about the potential negative impacts on the delta's ecosystem and wildlife, despite assurances that the exploration areas are outside the core and buffer zones.

A report by Afrobarometer reveals that women in Botswana have slightly higher educational attainment than men, with more women having secondary education. Despite this, asset ownership still favors men in categories like motor vehicles and electronics. The majority of Batswana support gender equality in hiring and land ownership, though many believe women in politics face criticism and harassment. The government is criticized for not doing enough to promote gender equality, with gender-based violence identified as the most pressing issue.

Litigants have filed complaints against Justice Itumeleng Segopolo for delays in delivering written judgments, affecting their ability to appeal. Despite assurances from the Deputy Registrar, the judgments remain undelivered, prompting further legal actions and appeals. The delays have significant implications for the litigants, including one on death row, and highlight systemic issues within the judicial process.

Namibians express frustration over the International Criminal Court's refusal to prosecute Botswana's President Mokgweetsi Masisi and Botswana Defence Force Commander Placid Segokgo for the deaths of four suspected poachers. The Caprivi Concerned Group vows to continue seeking justice, escalating the matter to the United Nations and planning to submit additional evidence to the ICC. The ICC's decision was based on jurisdictional limitations, but the court remains open to reconsideration if new evidence is provided. The case highlights ongoing tensions and calls for accountability in extrajudicial killings by the Botswana Defence Force.

The Botswana Democratic Party's (BDP) council caucus elections in the Kweneng District Council were declared null and void due to allegations of election rigging. The controversy arose from accusations of mishandling ballot boxes, with claims that fraudulent boxes were used. An inquiry has been initiated by the BDP, and new elections are expected to take place. The article highlights the internal conflict within the BDP and the implications of the caucus decisions on council elections.