Financial Crime Case Study Exposes Fabricated Allegations Against Botswana’s Former Leader

A recent joint report by British law firm Omnia Strategy and Alaco has cleared former Botswana President Ian Khama and South African businesswoman Bridgette Motsepe of serious financial crime charges, revealing a stream of baseless allegations against the duo.

The Allegations

The allegations, which included claims that Khama and Motsepe conspired to funnel $10 billion out of Botswana into South African bank accounts allegedly for “financing terrorism” in Botswana, were dismissed as fabrications by the joint investigation. The report revealed that:

• None of the supposedly missing money had left the country
• Many of the bank accounts claimed to have been set up abroad either didn’t exist or used stolen data

The Investigation

The charges against Khama and Motsepe emerged shortly after last year’s general election in Botswana, which saw the ruling Botswana Democratic Party win a landslide victory. The state’s case against the duo was supported by an affidavit from Botswana’s anti-corruption authority, but the report has now cast doubt on the integrity of the evidence presented.

Reactions

Khama maintained that there was no evidence to back up the claims, and the governor of the Bank of Botswana reportedly backed his stance, stating that none of the supposedly missing money had left the country. The allegations were widely condemned as politically motivated.

Consequences

The report has raised concerns about:

• The competence and independence of Botswana’s anti-corruption authorities
• The integrity of Botswana’s prosecutors

The case has strained relations between Botswana and South Africa, with the latter reportedly snubbing a request for mutual legal assistance in connection with its case against Khama and Motsepe.

Government Shake-Up

The fallout from the scandal has led to a government shake-up in Botswana, including:

• International Affairs and Cooperation Minister Unity Dow stepping down from her role
• Director-General of the anti-corruption authority Brigadier Joseph Moenyana Mathambo being moved to a position in the defence forces

Conclusion

The case is seen as a major blow to the reputation of Botswana’s anti-corruption authorities, raising serious questions about their competence and independence.