Eric Molale faces an abuse-of-office charge over an alleged instruction to appoint a contractor directly for the Ghanzi-New Xade road, bringing the number of accused to eight.
GAZETTE REPORTER
Former Permanent Secretary to the President and former cabinet minister Eric Molale has been charged with abuse of office over a government road tender valued at more than P1.45 billion.
The Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) announced that Molale had been added as the eighth accused in The State vs Noah Salakae and Seven Others. The case also involves former minister Noah Salakae.
Molale faces one count of abuse of office, contrary to Section 104 of the Penal Code.
Direct Appointment Alleged
According to the DCEC, the charge relates to Molale’s tenure as Minister of Transport and Public Works in 2024. He allegedly directed fellow accused Kgakgamalo Ken Ketshajwang to appoint Tau Grading and Building Construction (Pty) Ltd directly to build the Ghanzi-New Xade road.
“It is alleged that in 2024, the accused person in his capacity as the then Minister of Transport and Public Works (now Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure), abused his office by directing the 6th accused person (Mr. Kgakgamalo Ken Ketshajwang) to directly appoint Tau Grading and Building Construction (Pty) Ltd for the construction of the Ghanzi-New Xade road,” the DCEC said.
The agency alleges that the procurement method prejudiced other lawfully registered companies entitled to compete for the work.
The allegations have not yet been proven in court, and Molale is entitled to the presumption of innocence.
Eight Accused
The DCEC said the charge was connected to a previously announced tender valued at P1,455,754,807.37. Molale joins seven other accused already facing prosecution in the matter.
Molale served as Permanent Secretary to the President before becoming a cabinet minister.
October Appearance
The DCEC said Molale and his co-accused were expected to appear before the Regional Magistrate Court on 9 October 2026.
“The DCEC will continue to share updates on this matter,” the agency said.