An original herd of about 260 seized cattle has grown to around 800, but losses and unresolved interest on seized money leave questions over the State’s seven-year custody.
GAZETTE REPORTER
Cattle seized from the late former Directorate of Intelligence and Security Services (DISS) Director General Isaac Seabelo Kgosi have been returned to his estate, with an original herd of about 260 having grown to around 800 during seven years under a court-appointed receiver.
The return marks a major step in implementing a Gaborone High Court order that ended the State’s prolonged restraint of Kgosi’s assets. However, approximately 25 cattle are reported to have died or gone missing, while questions remain over interest on money seized by the State.
Herd Multiplies
The livestock increased substantially while under restraint, and the court ordered the return of cattle received from Richard Miles together with all offspring born since July 2019.
The estate has now recovered the livestock and other properties held under State control. The reported deaths and losses have left outstanding questions about the receiver’s accounting for the herd.
Interest Unresolved
Although the other seized properties have been returned, financial matters remain unresolved, particularly interest on money held by the State.
The State has committed to finalising outstanding inventory issues as the restitution process continues.
Court Rebuke
In a judgment delivered on 24 August 2026, Justice Pusoentsi set aside a July 2019 restraining order and directed the State to restore Kgosi’s property within 30 days.
The order covered a Toyota Land Cruiser registered B 975 BHI, portions 82 and 83 of Farm Sentlhane No. 18-KO, and the cattle and their offspring. The properties had been placed under a court-appointed receiver during investigations into alleged corrupt practices.
Justice Pusoentsi criticised the State for retaining the assets for seven years without completing its investigations or instituting forfeiture proceedings. The court noted that the investigations had reportedly begun in 2011, about 15 years before the ruling.
Estate Continues Fight
The judge described the prolonged restraint as harassment and persecution, finding that the order had effectively been used as punishment before Kgosi was charged with wrongdoing.
Following his death in August 2024, Kgosi’s widow, Matlho Jennifer Kgosi, was appointed curator bonis of his estate and continued the litigation.