BOTSWANA GOVERNMENT ISSUES FORMAL APOLOGY TO AMBASSADOR BRIDGETTE MOTSEPE OVER FALSE ALLEGATIONS

GABORONE, 29 July 2025 — The Government of Botswana has issued an official public apology to Ambassador Bridgette Motsepe following false allegations implicating her in financial misconduct and terrorism financing. The press release, issued by the Office of the President in Gaborone, marks a significant reversal in the state’s prior stance and represents a reaffirmation of Botswana’s commitment to the rule of law.

The controversy dates back to 29 October 2019, when Mr. Jako Hubona, an investigator with the Botswana Directorate of Corruption and Economic Crime, submitted an affidavit to the High Court of Botswana. In his sworn statement, Hubona alleged that Ambassador Motsepe was a co-signatory to bank accounts through which stolen funds from the Bank of Botswana were laundered. He further alleged that these funds were used to finance acts of terrorism. These serious accusations were supported at the time by various government institutions.

However, in a sharp about-turn, the current Government of Botswana, under the leadership of Advocate Duma Boko, has now confirmed that the claims were “entirely false” and made “recklessly.” The statement clarified that the allegations had no factual basis and were improperly supported by government agencies at the time.

The press release extended the apology not only to Ambassador Motsepe but also acknowledged that the unfounded allegations had tarnished the reputations of other individuals, including Wilhemina Maswabi, former President Seretse Khama Ian Khama, and the late Isaac Kgosi. Additionally, it affected the image of several financial institutions, including the South African Reserve Bank.

“The Government of Botswana, the Directorate of Corruption and Economic Crime, the Directorate of Intelligence Security Services and Mr. Hubona unconditionally retract their allegations and apologise to Ambassador Motsepe for making them,” read the statement.

The current administration described itself as a “human rights-based Government” and reassured the public that such “fabrications… will never occur” again. This move is widely seen as an effort to rebuild international credibility and reassert Botswana’s commitment to justice, accountability, and the rule of law.