
Turnstar Holdings, a BSE-listed property group, has informed shareholders to expect a 22% decrease in full-year profit before tax, projected to be P146.6 million for the year ending January 31, 2026, down from P188.6 million in the previous year. The company attributed this decline primarily to a significant reduction in fair value gains on its investment property portfolio, with fair value adjustments decreasing by approximately P38.7 million. This reduction is a result of higher discount and capitalization rates applied to its Botswana assets, reflecting a more cautious outlook on property income streams amid tightening financial conditions and shifting market dynamics in Botswana's real estate sector. Despite the projected drop in overall profitability, Turnstar's core operations showed resilience, with operating profit declining only marginally by 0.78%, indicating stable rental income and occupancy levels across its portfolio. The company noted that its underlying operational performance remains stable, even as Botswana's property sector faces a challenging macroeconomic environment characterized by tighter liquidity, rising interest rates, and reduced investor interest in real estate assets.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Mmegi.

Four men, including a Zimbabwean national, were arrested in Flower Town ward in Mahalapye for illegally slaughtering a cow. The individuals, aged 33, 34, 36, and 53, were caught in the act on the outskirts of Flower Town. Their arrest comes amidst national restrictions prohibiting the slaughter of cloven-hoofed animals due to an ongoing Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak.

President Duma Boko, who is also the leader of the Botswana National Front, has strongly refuted claims that individuals must pay to gain access to him. Speaking at the party’s 60th-anniversary gala dinner in Tlokweng, Boko stated that such practices are corrupt and will not be tolerated. He encouraged anyone who has been asked for payment to report the incident to the Botswana Police. These remarks follow complaints from the public that some individuals close to the President have been demanding money from business people in exchange for access to him.
Between 2020 and 2024, Botswana recorded 1,003 cases of employee theft, predominantly during the COVID-19 period. Out of a total of P380,457,720 stolen, only P5,041,007.24 was restrained, and P887,000 was confiscated. Of the 1,003 reported cases, 168 were prosecuted, leading to 130 convictions out of 148 suspected individuals. These figures are detailed in the Botswana National Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Risk Assessment Report, the country's second national assessment, which utilized the World Bank Risk Assessment Tool to evaluate national threats, illicit proceeds, terrorist financing, and vulnerabilities.

Turmeric production in Botswana faces significant challenges due to high costs, limiting the participation of small farmers. Assistant Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship Baratiwa Mathoothe stated that a hectare of turmeric seeds costs about P64,000, with total input costs reaching approximately P300,000 per season. These costs include certification, traceability, production, and processing for the German export market. Access to finance is also a major obstacle, as many farmers struggle to secure loans for the required start-up capital. Despite these challenges, the Ministry has facilitated 160 farmers in turmeric production for the German export market through a partnership with a German company. However, only 24 farmers have successfully planted for the 2025-2026 season. Crops are currently at various growth stages, with harvesting anticipated between May and June, and export to Germany expected around August to September 2026.