Former minister Lefoko Moagi's undeclared loan central to corruption and money laundering trial

The Broadhurst Regional Magistrate’s Court heard that former Minerals and Energy minister, Lefoko Moagi, did not declare a P417,500 loan, which is now a key element in his corruption and money laundering trial. Tiny Keseabetswe, Director General of the Ethics and Integrity Directorate, testified that public officers must declare assets within two months of appointment and every two years thereafter. New declarations are required within 30 days if assets or liabilities change by P200,000 or more. The obligation to declare continues for five years after leaving office. Keseabetswe stated that Moagi made declarations in December 2020, January 2023, and June 2025, listing three liabilities: a P4 million loan from the Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency CEDA, a personal loan from First National Bank Botswana, and a credit card facility. She noted the CEDA loan showed no reduction and could not recall the P417,500 loan being declared. During cross-examination, defence attorney Tengo Rubadiri presented a Ministers and Assistant Minister’s Declaration Form from November 20, 2019, which Keseabetswe had not seen. Rubadiri also referenced Moagi’s financial records, including an FNB savings account with P1.5 million, motor vehicles, cattle, livestock, residential properties, and farmland, which Keseabetswe confirmed were recorded. The case stems from allegations that Moagi used his position to benefit Chinese contractor Seyuan Electric in Botswana Power Corporation tenders and sub