Bathai is accused of corruption and gross maladministration. According to a letter written by acting secretary-general Othusitse Dick, Bathai used the association's funds for the Lobatse Sports Festival, which was not supposed to be funded through government coffers.
Bathai submitted an invoice dated April 4 to the Botswana National Sport Commission officials to pay for the Lobatse Sports Festival medals to the tune of P20,509 and P1,800 for the branding of medals. “We have it on good record that the Lobatse Sports Festival was not supposed to be funded from government coffers,” the letter reads.
Meanwhile, Bathai’s federation, Karate No-Michi Botswana has also been suspended for failing to pay the annual affiliation fee for 2022–2023. According to the suspension letter, Karate No-Michi is also accused of the same offence of benefiting from government funds for the Lobatse Sports Festival.
BOKA public relations officer, Keorapetse Dube told Mmegi Sport that there is still a lot of investigation that has to be done because they believe more will be uncovered.
Bathai confirmed receiving the suspension letter but said the decision is null and void.
