The acting chief of the Bakgatla Ba Ga Mmanaana, Kgosi Oscar Mosielele, has written to Botswana's Justice and Correctional Services Minister, Nelson Ramaotwana, requesting him to press the Master of the High Court to investigate a multimillion-pula dispute involving trustees linked to former President Mokgweetsi Masisi. Mosielele's letter, dated September 24, escalated the matter after over four months without a response or acknowledgment from the Master.
Mosielele alleged that the trustees of the Ipelego Community Trust, founded by Masisi, breached or failed to follow legal requirements governing trusts. The trustees include Masisi's sister, Boitumelo Phadi Mmutle, and Mosielele's older brother, Kgosi Kgabosetso II Mosielele, who chairs the trust. Mosielele complained that they failed to submit required reports, maintain proper accounts and records, and prepare financial statements in accordance with the law.
Mosielele stated that the trustees had not acted honestly and in good faith, failing to manage the trust's property for the benefit of its beneficiaries or in pursuit of its stated purpose. Instead, they ran it "like a private trust" despite its status as a community trust. After reviewing the trust's file, Mosielele convened a meeting of beneficiaries, attended by Kgosi Kgabosetso, who acknowledged that due process had not been followed and asked for six months to prepare the required documents and reports.
The trustees later submitted a handover report and financial statements and agreed to attend a handover meeting scheduled for March 6, 2026. However, their lawyers subsequently wrote to say the trustees would no longer take part in the proceedings, arguing that they did not comply with the law or the trust deed. Mosielele also raised questions about the trust's financial records, citing omissions and irregularities.
Mosielele noted that the trust's financial statements omit the period from the notarial deed's registration on August 24, 2016, through March 31, 2018, without explanation. The accounts cover a single period – from April 1, 2018, to November 30, 2025 – instead of presenting statements by financial year. The statements list donation income of 5,847,768 pula but provide no detail identifying donors or the amount each contributed.
Mosielele further alleged that the trustees made transactions totaling about 259,775.94 pula during a transition period when they had agreed not to undertake major new transactions. This agreement followed a resolution at a Lebatla meeting on July 11, 2025. He also argued that assets donated to the trust should be registered in its name, including a Toyota Hilux 2.4 GD brought to the trust by the area's member of Parliament.
Mosielele's concerns have been submitted to Ramaotwana for action, with the Minister now expected to engage with the Master of the High Court to address the alleged irregularities. The dispute has raised questions about the management of community trusts in Botswana and the need for greater transparency and accountability.
Key points
- The Ipelego Community Trust was founded by former President Mokgweetsi Masisi.
- The trustees allegedly breached or failed to follow legal requirements governing trusts.
- Mosielele has asked Ramaotwana to press the Master of the High Court to investigate the dispute.
