03 Sep 2019

Permanent Secretary to the President (PSP), Carter Morupisi, his wife Pinny Morupisi, and her company R7 Group, briefly appeared before Regional Magistrate - South yesterday on charges of abuse of office, receiving a bribe and  money laundering.

Appearing before Magistrate Goodwill Makofi, who was holding fort for Regional Magistrate - South Mr Masilo Mathaka, Morupisi and his co-accused were read their charges, but their pleas were reserved.

On the count of abuse of office, Morupisi is alleged to have on 11 November 2014, while holding the position of board chairperson  of the Botswana Public Officers Pension Fund (BPOPF), without authority and final resolution of the board, signed a contract with Capital Management Botswana (CMB) on behalf of the pension fund, authorising CMB to administer BPOPF funds.

On the charge of acceptance of bribery by a public officer, particulars of the offence are that while employed as PSP and therefore a public officer, Morupisi, signed a contract with CMB on behalf of BPOPF and on 11 May 2017 acting together with his wife, received on behalf of R7 Group, a valuable consideration in the form of a Toyota Land Cruiser Pick-Up.

The third count, that of money laundering, jointly charges the first and second accused, Morupisi and R7 Group.

The particulars are that on 15 May 2017, the two accused laundered an amount of R630 988 (P462 260) which was proceeds of crime.

After their charges were read, the first and third accused persons were admitted to bail on own recognizance of P10 000.

They were, in addition to being ordered to not contact the state witnesses, also interdicted from interfering with state processes in the envisaged forfeiture in Botswana or in any foreign state.

Magistrate Makofi also ordered them not to commit any offence relating to fraud while out on bail.

The trio is represented by attorneys Busang Manewe and Basimane Bogopa, whereas the prosecution is led by Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Stephen Tiroyakgosi, who appeared together with Assistant Director Ms Priscilla Israel. 

Morupisi, his wife and R7 Group are expected back in court on November 12 for mention. ends