Former Minister of Transport and Public Works, Eric Mothibi Molale, has been added as the eighth accused in the high-profile corruption case surrounding the P1.45 billion Ghanzi-New Xade road project, widening a prosecution that already includes former Transport and Infrastructure Minister Noah Salakae and six others.
The Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) announced on Tuesday that Molale has been charged with one count of abuse of office under Section 104 of the Penal Code. According to the anti-corruption agency, the charge stems from allegations that, while serving as minister in 2024, Molale directed then Permanent Secretary Kgakgamalo Ken Ketshajwang to directly appoint Tau Grading and Building Construction (Pty) Ltd for the construction of the Ghanzi-New Xade road.
In a statement released early this week, the DCEC alleged that the procurement method used prejudiced the rights of other companies that were legally entitled to compete for the contract. The tender at the centre of the case is valued at P1,455,754,807.37.
In a statement released early this week, the DCEC alleged that the procurement method used prejudiced the rights of other companies that were legally entitled to compete for the contract. The tender at the centre of the case is valued at P1,455,754,807.37.
Molale’s inclusion follows an indication by prosecutors during the first court appearance of Salakae and his co-accused last month that the charge sheet would be amended to include an additional accused person. At the time, the State told the court that investigations and due diligence concerning another individual had been completed and that the person would be joined to the proceedings.
The original charge sheet lists Tau Grading and Building Construction (Pty) Ltd, company executives Hugo Johannes Lemcke and Christiaan Rudolf Lemcke, accountant Seby Jose, former minister Noah Salakae, former permanent secretary Kgakgamalo Ken Ketshajwang and lawyer Mompati Patrick Sepego as accused persons. The charges include corruption, corrupting a public officer, abuse of office and money laundering.
Court documents allege that Salakae received P1.6 million, a Toyota Fortuner valued at P575,000 and bush-clearing services in return for influencing the award of the road construction contract to Tau Grading. The allegations have not been tested in court and the accused have not yet entered pleas. Salakae resigned from Cabinet in August, saying he wanted to focus on defending himself against the allegations and that his resignation was not an admission of guilt.
Molale and his co-accused are expected to appear before the Regional Magistrate’s Court on October 9, 2026, when the matter returns for mention and plea proceedings.
