Top judges poised for appointment to Court of Appeal

Botswana’s judiciary is set for another reshuffle as three of the most senior High Court judges are poised to be elevated to the Court of Appeal (CoA), sources within the legal fraternity have revealed. According to The Patriot, senior Judges Machael Leburu, Modiri Letsididi and Tshepo Motswagole are said to be the front-runners for the appointments. The trio, all long-serving members of the Bench, have built reputations as some of the leading jurists in the country, with years of experience handling complex and high-profile cases. If confirmed, their appointments will bolster the Court of Appeal’s capacity and it is anticipated that they will assist in his expediting appeal cases. CoA, often seen as the ultimate arbitrator of justice in Botswana, plays a crucial role in shaping the country’s legal landscape and the new Chief Justice, Gaolapelwe Ketlogetswe, has promised improved services with less judicial drama. The expected reshuffle also raises questions about succession planning at the High Court, where their departure will create vacancies that must be filled with equally competent jurists. The expected elevation of these three judges also signals a broader shift in Botswana’s judiciary, which has faced growing scrutiny in recent years. Debates about judicial independence, political interference, and the slow pace of reforms have dominated discussions in legal circles. Insiders say the promotion of these three judges could ease longstanding tensions within the judiciary regarding the process of elevation to the Court of Appeal.

Full report in The Patriot