About Us

The Probe Journal is an investigative and analytical publication delivering credible Botswana news, in-depth analysis and informed commentary from Gaborone and across Africa.

Guided by the Motlhotlhomisi (Investigator) standard, we cover current affairs in Botswana, politics, business, culture, tourism, education and youth development.

As a Gaborone newspaper and digital news platform, The Probe Journal goes beyond press releases and surface-level reporting to examine the socio-economic, cultural, political and commercial forces shaping Botswana and the African continent.

Our business news coverage in Botswana brings a corporate-finance perspective to markets, organisations, policy and economic developments.

Our editorial standards

The following editorial policy sets out the standards governing our reporting, analysis, commentary, and commissioned content. It applies to our editors, writers, contributors, and publishing partners.

1. Editorial independence

Editorial decisions are guided by public interest, evidence, and relevance to our readers. Advertisers, sponsors, political organisations, commercial partners, and personal relationships must not determine our findings or suppress legitimate reporting.

We do not accept payment or benefits in exchange for favourable editorial coverage. Commercial arrangements must never require us to publish misleading information or conceal material facts.

Our scrutiny extends to institutions and individuals regardless of their political affiliation, influence, or relationship with the publication.

2. Accuracy and verification

We take reasonable steps to verify factual claims before publication. Names, quotations, dates, figures, and descriptions must accurately reflect the available evidence.

Where possible, we consult original documents, official records, research, direct interviews, and other primary sources. We assess the reliability and context of every source; an official statement is a claim to examine, not automatic proof.

We distinguish established facts from allegations, estimates, interpretations, and predictions. When information is incomplete, disputed, or cannot be independently verified, we explain those limitations.

Headlines, summaries, images, and social media posts must fairly represent the underlying story.

3. Sources and attribution

We identify sources wherever possible and provide links or references that help readers assess significant factual claims. We credit original reporting, research, photographs, and other material obtained from outside the publication.

Anonymous sources may be used when the information serves a clear public interest and identifying the source could expose them to harm or serious retaliation. The responsible editor must assess the source’s credibility, motives, and basis of knowledge, and seek corroboration where possible.

We do not invent sources, quotations, interviews, documents, or evidence. We do not present rumours or unverified social media posts as established facts.

4. Fairness and the opportunity to respond

We represent relevant positions accurately and in context. Fairness requires weighing claims against evidence; it does not require giving unsupported claims the same weight as verified facts.

Before publishing serious allegations about an identifiable person or organisation, we make reasonable efforts to seek a response and allow an appropriate opportunity to reply.

Where a response is unavailable, declined, or not received by the publication deadline, we make that clear when relevant. Substantive responses received later are assessed for an update.

5. News, analysis, opinion, and satire

Readers should be able to recognise the type of content they are reading.

• News reporting presents verified information and relevant context.
• Analysis interprets evidence and explains patterns, implications, or possible outcomes.
• Opinion advances an identified author’s argument or perspective while remaining accountable for factual claims.
• Satire, where published, is clearly labelled.
• Sponsored content is prominently identified as commercial material.

Contributors’ opinions do not automatically represent the position of The Probe Journal. Labelling an article as opinion does not excuse factual inaccuracies or unsupported allegations.

6. Conflicts of interest

Editors and contributors must disclose financial, professional, political, or personal interests that could reasonably affect their coverage.

Material conflicts are addressed through disclosure, reassignment, or withdrawal from the editorial decision. Gifts, hospitality, sponsored travel, and outside work must not compromise editorial judgement.

Where a relationship is relevant to a reader’s assessment of an article, we disclose it alongside the content.

7. Advertising, sponsorship, and commissioned reports

Advertising and sponsored material must be clearly distinguishable from independent editorial coverage. Paid content carries an explicit label such as “Advertisement” or “Sponsored Content.”

Commissioned research and partner reports identify the commissioning or funding organisation and explain relevant methods, data sources, and limitations. We disclose affiliate relationships where we may receive a payment from readers’ purchases.

Commercial partners may identify factual errors in material concerning them, but payment does not buy control over independent editorial conclusions.

8. Privacy, dignity, and sensitive reporting

We balance public interest against the foreseeable harm publication may cause. Private information is included only when it is relevant and publication is justified.

We exercise particular care when reporting on children, survivors of abuse, bereaved families, and people in vulnerable circumstances. We avoid unnecessary identifying details, sensational treatment of suffering, and language that demeans people on the basis of identity or background.

We distinguish allegations from findings and charges from convictions. Graphic or distressing material is used only when editorially justified and accompanied by appropriate context or warnings.

9. Corrections, updates, and complaints

We correct material errors promptly once they have been established. Significant corrections include a visible note explaining what changed and why. Minor spelling or formatting fixes that do not affect meaning may be made without a correction notice.

Updates distinguish new developments from corrections to earlier reporting. Publication dates must not be changed merely to make an unchanged article appear recent.

If an article’s central findings are no longer supportable, we consider a retraction or withdrawal with an explanation. We do not remove accurate reporting solely because it attracts criticism or commercial pressure.

To report an error or raise an editorial complaint, email eli@theprobe.co.bw or theprobejournal@gmail.com. Include the article title or link, the passage concerned, and supporting information. Complaints are assessed on their evidence and substance, and substantiated concerns lead to appropriate action.

10. Originality and attribution

We publish original work and acknowledge the contributions of others. Plagiarism, fabricated reporting, and misleading claims of authorship are unacceptable.

External material must be appropriately attributed, and permissions obtained where required. Submitted work must disclose substantial prior publication and any relevant restrictions on its use.

11. Accountability and policy review

Articles should identify the responsible author or editorial team and display their publication date. Significant revisions should include an updated date or explanatory note.

We maintain accessible information about the publication’s ownership, editorial responsibility, and contact channels so readers can understand who stands behind our work.

This policy is reviewed as our publication develops and editorial practices change. Material changes will be reflected on this page.

Last updated: 17 September 2026