Investigations · Politics
Lesotho Prime Minister Samuel Matekane travelled to Botswana and back aboard Botswana’s presidential jet OK1 after the aircraft intended for his trip failed to obtain a flight permit from the Department of Civil Aviation in time — an explanation now disputed by a source who says permits for a Prime Minister’s aircraft are never delayed.
Staff Reporter
Botswana President Duma Boko publicly stated that his government placed Botswana’s presidential jet, OK1, at the disposal of Lesotho Prime Minister Samuel Matekane because Matekane faced logistical challenges in travelling to Gaborone for a state visit on 17 June 2026. The Prime Minister’s press attache has now provided an explanation for those challenges — one that points directly at the Lesotho Department of Civil Aviation.
Thapelo Mabote, press attache to the Prime Minister, told the Lesotho Tribune that the aircraft intended for the Prime Minister’s trip to Botswana submitted a permit application to the Department of Civil Aviation on 15 June 2026 — two days before the visit — and never received it. With no permit cleared, the aircraft could not fly. Botswana’s OK1 was made available as a result.
The Department of Civil Aviation is the body responsible for issuing Traffic and Airspace Permits in Lesotho. The Tribune has sought comment from the department on Mabote’s account. No response had been received at the time of publication. This story will be updated when the department replies.
“Flights involving the Prime Minister are priority number 1. There’s no way we could’ve not issued a permit. If that’s true how would the Botswana Military Aircraft get a permit quicker than the one meant for our Prime Minister?”
Mabote’s explanation has been met with scepticism from within government. A source not authorised to speak to the media told the Tribune: “Flights involving the Prime Minister are priority number 1. There’s no way we could’ve not issued a permit. If that’s true how would the Botswana Military Aircraft get a permit quicker than the one meant for our Prime Minister?” The Tribune has been reliably informed that no permit application of the kind described by Mabote was submitted on 15 June 2026, though the Tribune has not been able to independently verify that.
The use of OK1 drew immediate attention when Botswana President Boko mentioned it publicly without elaboration. Mmegi, the Gaborone-based daily, reported on its front page dated 19 June 2026 that the arrangement had drawn public criticism in Botswana, with opposition figure Saleshando characterising it as an abuse of power. The Tribune has sought direct comment from Saleshando and has not received a response.
Prime Minister Matekane walks the red carpet at Gaborone airport on 17 June 2026. Botswana’s presidential jet OK1, marked “Republic of Botswana”, is visible behind him. Source: Tribune-obtained.
US Embassy: visit unrelated to PM’s travel
The US Embassy Maseru has responded to the Tribune’s questions concerning the presence of a US military aircraft at Moshoeshoe I International Airport during the same period. In a statement attributable to the Embassy spokesperson, the Embassy confirmed that US Africa Command’s Deputy to the Commander for Civil-Military Engagement, Ambassador Robert Scott, visited Lesotho and met with the Honourable Richard Ramoeletsi, Acting Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister for Law and Justice; Lieutenant General Exavery Mojalefa Letsoela, Chief of Defence of the Lesotho Defence Force; and other senior LDF officers.
The Embassy stated that Ambassador Scott’s visit was unrelated to the Prime Minister’s travel to Botswana.
US Ambassador Robert Scott and delegation at Moshoeshoe I International Airport. Tail number 30496 is visible on the aircraft. Source: US Embassy Maseru, verified Facebook account.
Ambassador Scott was quoted in the Embassy’s statement as saying: “We admire partners like Eswatini and Lesotho for being security exporters. We want to support them by helping build capacity, strengthen defence institutions, and support their efforts to counter threats and enhance sovereignty.”
The Embassy’s confirmation that the visit centred on defence cooperation and LDF engagement, and was unrelated to the Prime Minister’s travel arrangements, closes that line of the Tribune’s inquiry.
ADS-B Exchange flight track showing aircraft movement in the Gaborone-Johannesburg corridor on 17 June 2026. Source: Tribune screenshot, globe.adsbexchange.com.
The Botswana presidency has not responded to the Tribune’s questions. This story will be updated when responses are received from the Department of Civil Aviation and the Botswana presidency.
