Former Transport and Infrastructure Minister Eric Molale is expected to be added to the sprawling corruption case involving his successor, Noah Salakae.
This follows an announcement by the prosecution that they will amend the charge sheet to add another suspect before pleas are taken.
Information gathered bySunday Standard suggests Molale is the unnamed suspect the State referred to when the matter came before the Broadhurst Regional Magistrates’ Court on Friday. Prosecutors told the court that another suspect would be joined to the proceedings and that the charge sheet would be amended before all accused persons enter their pleas.
The development adds another spin to the controversial corruption case involving P1.5 billion Ghanzi-New Xade road construction project, which the prosecution believe was initiated during Molale’s tenure as Minister of Transport and Infrastructure in 2024.
Molale and the lead investigator in the case, Thabo Malambane have a controversial history. Molale, then Permanent Secretary to the President (PSP)signed the 2014 letter firing Malambane from his position as Principal Magistrate, based in Ghanzi. The letter, signed by Molale stated that, ‘Consequently, I am directed to inform you that His Excellency has, in exercise of the powers vested in him by section 104 (2) (b) of the Constitution, decided to dismiss you from your position as Principal Magistrate with immediate effect’.
It remains unclear what role Molale is alleged to have played in the procurement process currently before court.
Salakae was arraigned alongside Tau Grading and Building Construction (Pty) Ltd, its managing director Hugo Johannes Lemcke, accountant Seby Jose, company director Christiaan Rudolf Lemcke, retired former permanent secretary Kgakgamalo Ken Ketshajwang and attorney Mompati Patrick Sepego.
The seven accused face charges of corrupting a public officer, corruption, abuse of office and money laundering arising from allegations that inducements were paid to secure the lucrative road contract. According to the charge sheet, Tau Grading, its officials and others allegedly offered Salakae P1.6 million in cash, a Toyota Fortuner valued at P575,000 and bush-clearing services as rewards for influencing and ensuring the signing of the contract in favour of the company.
The State alleges that the benefits were linked to the Ghanzi-New Xade road construction project, a government contract valued at P1,535,503,969.39.
Prosecutors allege that, while serving as minister, Salakae used his office to obtain the cash, vehicle and services before influencing the award of the multibillion-pula contract to Tau Grading. The charge sheet further alleges that the P1.6 million was later used to acquire portions of a farm in Ghanzi, while the bush-clearing services were performed at his in-laws’ farm and a lodge he leased.
Ketshajwang, the former permanent secretary in the ministry, is accused of abuse of office after allegedly approving the direct appointment of Tau Grading despite the project requiring selective procurement. Prosecutors contend that the decision prejudiced other companies that could have competed for the contract.
The money laundering count alleges that the accused knowingly transferred and concealed proceeds of crime, including routing the P1.6 million through a Bank Gaborone account held by Sepego before using part of the funds to purchase farm portions in Ghanzi. Prosecutors further allege that efforts were made to disguise ownership of the property by registering it in the name of Salakae’s wife and later a company.
The possibility of Molale being joined to the proceedings could significantly widen the scope of the case, particularly if the state established that decisions relating to the road project were taken before Salakae assumed office. The matter returns to court on October 9, 2026 when the amended charge sheet is expected to be presented and the accused called upon to plead.