Where is the reward? Moagi questions state's P4.7 million corruption case
Former minister Moagi is facing corruption and money laundering charges in Botswana regarding alleged kickbacks for prospecting licenses. His defense team is arguing that the prosecution has failed to provide evidence that the funds were rewards rather than loans.
Why it matters
The case highlights high-level political accountability and the challenges of proving corruption in complex financial transactions involving private entities.
Prosecutors state in the charge sheet that on or about April 17, 2024, the former minister accepted P4.7 million from New Energy Company (Pty) Ltd, via Wisecreatives Investments Pty Ltd. They argue this was a reward for issuing prospecting licences in Gantsi, Tsabong, and Tutume to New Energy. In the second case, Moagi faces two counts of corruption and money laundering. Making submissions before Regional Magistrate yesterday in a no case to answer application, Tengo Rubadiri, Moagi’s attorney told the court that prosecution had failed to adduce evidence showing that money allegedly channeled through Wisecreatives was a reward for granting of eight licenses.Rubadiri premised his argument on the warn-and-caution statement by Zheng Li, which was admitted as an exhibit despite him (Zheng Li) not testifying.
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