The DCEC has suspended the P1.5 billion Ncojane Water Supply tender as it investigates allegations of abuse of office and forgery, with Tawana JV challenging the secrecy surrounding the probe
GAZETTE REPORTER
The Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) has intensified investigations into the controversial P1.5 billion Ncojane Water Supply tender, probing allegations of abuse of office, fraud and forgery that have complicated one of Botswana’s most fiercely contested public procurement battles.
Court documents containing correspondence between lawyers for the parties, the Attorney General’s Chambers, the DCEC and the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) reveal that anti-corruption investigators successfully sought authority to suspend the procurement process pending completion of their investigations.
The latest developments come months after the Court of Appeal dismissed an appeal by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation Botswana and Zhong Gan Engineering & Construction Corporation Botswana, effectively upholding an earlier High Court ruling in favour of Tawana Joint Venture (JV).
DCEC SEEKS SUSPENSION
In a letter to the PPRA, DCEC Director General Bothale Makgekgenene said the investigation was being conducted pursuant to a Procurement Tribunal order issued on 18 November 2024.
She said investigators had uncovered evidence pointing to two separate lines of inquiry.
According to Makgekgenene, the DCEC is investigating possible abuse of office relating to the award of the tender to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation Botswana and Zhong Gan Engineering & Construction Corporation Botswana, alleging the two companies should have been disqualified during the technical evaluation stage.
The agency is also probing allegations of possible forgery involving returnable documents submitted by Tawana JV, the consortium comprising G4 Civils, Landmark Projects and Asphalt Botswana, which was subsequently awarded the tender through court orders.
Makgekgenene said suspending the procurement process was necessary to protect public funds and preserve the integrity of the investigation and the administration of justice.
PPRA APPROVES FREEZE
In response, PPRA CEO Tumelo Motsumi confirmed that the regulator had approved suspension of the procurement proceedings under the law.
The approval effectively halted implementation of the tender while investigations continue.
The procurement has been the subject of prolonged litigation after Tawana JV successfully challenged the original award before the Public Procurement Tribunal, which found serious irregularities and cancelled the award. The High Court later ordered that the contract be awarded to Tawana JV, a decision that was subsequently upheld by the Court of Appeal.
TAWANA DEMANDS INVESTIGATION RECORDS
Lawyers representing Tawana JV have, however, challenged the manner in which the investigation has been handled.
In correspondence addressed to the Attorney General, the lawyers say they only became aware through a letter dated 12 May 2026 that the DCEC had sought PPRA approval before suspending the procurement process. They argue that the DCEC and PPRA have refused to disclose the material relied upon.
The consortium is seeking access to investigative reports, legal opinions, briefing notes, meeting minutes, preliminary findings, suspension notices and correspondence exchanged between the two institutions. The lawyers further contend forgery allegations.