Botswana’s Financial Fraud Scandal Exposed as Fabrication: Former President and Businesswoman Cleared of Charges

A recent joint report by British law firm Omnia Strategy and Alaco has cleared former Botswana president Ian Khama and prominent South African businesswoman Bridgette Motsepe of serious financial crime charges. The allegations, made by Botswana’s anti-corruption authority, the Directorate of Economic Crime and Corruption (DECC), claimed that Khama and Motsepe conspired to funnel $10 billion out of Botswana and into South African bank accounts for the purpose of financing terrorism in Botswana.

Fabricated Claims

The report has dismissed these claims as fabrications, revealing that none of the supposedly missing money had left the country. The investigation found:

• Many of the bank accounts claimed to have been set up abroad did not exist at the time of the alleged transfers.
• Used stolen data or were completely fictitious.

Discredited Allegations

The report also disproved money laundering allegations against a Botswana intelligence officer, Welheminah Mphoeng Maswabi, and her former boss, Isaac Kgosi. The charges were made in an affidavit supporting charges of financing terrorism and related charges against Maswabi, who is currently on bail awaiting trial.

Government Reaction

Khama and Motsepe have launched defamation cases against the Botswana government, denying any wrongdoing. The scandal has raised serious questions about:

• The integrity of Botswana prosecutors for consenting to the submission of an affidavit that was so clearly flawed.
• The general competence and independence of the country’s anti-corruption authorities.

International Fallout

The fallout from the report has also strained relations between Botswana and South Africa, with the latter apparently snubbing Botswana’s request for mutual legal assistance in connection with its case against Khama and Motsepe.

Government Shake-Up

The government shake-up that followed the release of the report saw:

• International affairs and co-operation minister Unity Dow step down from her role, reportedly due to unease over the claims against Khama and Motsepe.
• Brigadier Joseph Moenyana Mathambo, the director-general of the anti-corruption authority, moved to a position in the defence forces.

This scandal highlights the importance of thorough investigations and the need for transparency in government proceedings. It also underscores the value of independent reporting and scrutiny in holding those in power accountable.