Former Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Noah Salakae appeared in the Gaborone Regional Magistrates' Court on Friday, facing a litany of charges related to corruption and dishonesty.   

Salakae, alongside Seby Jose, Hugo Lemcke, Christiann Lemcke, Kgakgamalo Ketshajwang, Mompati Sepego and a corporate body in Tau Grading and Building Construction (Pty) Ltd, had their pleas reserved following a brief appearance before Gaborone Regional Magistrate, Mareledi Dipate.  

The six accused persons are each facing allegations of corrupting a public officer, corruption, abuse of office and money laundering.  

Particulars of the offences are that on or about January 16, 2025, the accused persons acted jointly in one accord in transferring, receiving, possessing and disguising property representing proceeds of crime amounting to one-point-six-million pula as a kickback towards being granted a tender of road construction.

Salakae is still maintaining his innocence, and scores of his supporters filled the courtroom to the brim in solidarity with the former cabinet minister, who believes the allegations against him are a witch hunt.

"My resignation does not in any way constitute an admission of guilt or liability regarding the allegations currently under scrutiny."

Salakae and his co-accused are expected back in court on October 9, 2026, for a routine appearance. Kgosietsile Ngakayagae is representing the state, while the accused persons have engaged Unoda Mack of Mack Bahuma Attorneys.