30 Mar 2026

Minister for State President, Defence and Security, Mr Moeti Mohwasa, says the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the closure of BCL Limited will operate with full independence, transparency and accountability.

 Answering a parliamentary question recently, Minister Mohwasa said the commission was established to investigate the circumstances surrounding the liquidation of the copper-nickel mining giant, whose collapse devastated the economy of Selebi-Phikwe and affected thousands of Batswana. 

He explained that the commissioners were appointed in strict accordance with the provisions of the Commissions of Inquiry Act.

 He emphasised that great care was taken to select individuals of unassailable integrity with relevant expertise in judicial, administrative, legal, financial and environmental matters and who had no direct or indirect interest in the BCL liquidation. 

“Appointments were thoroughly vetted for conflicts of interest. The Commission also reflects regional and professional diversity to reinforce public confidence,” the minister said. 

Mr Mohwasa stated that public sittings would be the default, with proceedings publicly noticed to allow Batswana to follow the process and a complete public record of evidence, submissions and exhibits would be maintained, subject only to lawful redactions for witness protection or national security reasons. 

He added that witnesses and affected parties would have the right to legal representation and the Commission would operate free from any executive direction or control in its investigations, witness selection or final findings. 

Mr Mohwasa revealed that the Terms of Reference (ToR) were drafted following rigorous consultations with legal, financial and environmental experts and were reviewed by senior counsel specialising in liquidation law and public inquiries. 

The expansive ToR, which were published in the Government Gazette for public and parliamentary scrutiny, he said covered the lawfulness of all liquidation actions, conduct of directors and Cabinet members, allegations of corruption, fronting and tender irregularities, environmental disaster risks, as well as asset accounting and possible pilfering. 

The minister confirmed that the ToR underwent expert legal review to ensure that they were comprehensive and capable of producing actionable recommendations.

 Mr Mohwasa emphasised that the Commission enjoyed statutory independence under the Commissions of Inquiry Act, granting it the powers of a court of record, including the authority to summon witnesses, compel the production of documents and punish contempt. “The chairperson, retired judge Mr  Wallis, brings unquestioned judicial independence to the role. 

All government departments and public officers have been formally directed to cooperate fully without seeking political guidance. 

The Terms of Reference explicitly authorise investigation into the actions of former Presidents, Cabinet members and senior officials,” he added. 

Again, Mr Mohwasa said funding for the Commission would be administered independently by its secretariat, while the total budget was still being finalised due to detailed planning for an inquiry of such scale and complexity and would be made public once completed.

 “Strong safeguards have also been put in place to protect witnesses from intimidation. The Commission may hold closed sessions, grant anonymity where a reasonable fear of reprisal is demonstrated and refer any interference to law enforcement for prosecution. Witnesses may also receive legal support at the Commission’s discretion,” the minister said. 

Mr Mohwasa described the Commission as a watershed moment in the nation’s commitment to accountability, transparency and justice. “The people of Selebi-Phikwe and all Batswana deserve answers about what happened to this strategic national asset, who was responsible and what lessons must be learned,” he said.

 He called on all stakeholders to cooperate fully and set aside partisanship in the national interest. He said the Commission was expected to begin public hearings in the coming weeks. MP for Selebi Phikwe West, Mr Reuben Kaizer, had raised concerns regarding the commission’s composition, operations and protections. ENDS