Former Minister of Transport and Public Works Eric Mothibi Molale has been added as the eighth accused in a corruption case involving the controversial P1.45 billion Ghanzi-New Xade road tender.
The Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) announced on Tuesday that Molale has been charged with one count of abuse of office, contrary to Section 104 of the Penal Code (Cap. 08:01).
According to the DCEC, the alleged offence occurred in 2024 when Molale was serving as Minister of Transport and Public Works, a portfolio now known as the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure.
The anti-corruption agency alleges that Molale abused his office by directing the sixth accused person, Kgakgamalo Ken Ketshajwang, to directly appoint Tau Grading and Building Construction (Pty) Ltd for the construction of the Ghanzi-New Xade road.
The DCEC alleges that the procurement method used in the appointment prejudiced the rights of other lawfully registered companies that were entitled to compete for the provision of the same services to the Government.
The matter relates to a previously communicated government tender valued at P1,455,754,807.37.
With Molale’s addition, the number of accused persons in the matter has now risen to eight in the case is State v Noah Salakae and seven others.
Molale and the other accused persons are scheduled to appear before the Regional Magistrate Court on 9 October 2026.
The development adds another high-profile figure to a case that has attracted significant public attention because of the value of the road project and questions surrounding the procurement process.
