
While families in Botswana search for three missing loved ones in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Zimbabwe's Information Minister Zhemu Soda confirmed that 60 of its citizens are trapped in the war, with at least 15 having died on the frontlines. The minister stated that these Zimbabweans were recruited to fight for Russia by "shadowy agencies promising lucrative jobs abroad using social media platforms as their primary hunting ground." He described this as a "sophisticated scheme of deception, exploitation, and human trafficking that has already resulted in the loss of Zimbabwean lives."
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Must ReadThe Auditor General has identified billing irregularities totaling at least P105 million at the Water Utilities Corporation WUC, corroborating customer complaints about high and inaccurate water bills. The Auditor General’s report for the financial year ending March 31, 2023, revealed that P105 million in debtor balances were incorrectly recorded in the corporation’s debtors’ book. These errors were primarily due to mistakes in meter readings, including incorrect readings being processed for billing without correction. Consequently, 257 individual customers received bills exceeding P100,000.
Must ReadBotswana's financial watchdogs have frozen approximately P184 million in assets suspected to be proceeds from financial crimes such as fraud, money laundering, or corruption. This figure, updated from P179 million in January, indicates an increase in detectable assets under investigation. The country's financial watchdogs, investigators, and prosecuting authorities recently presented findings from a national risk assessment report on money laundering and financial terrorism, highlighting ongoing efforts to recover illicitly obtained funds.
Must ReadBotswana's government is accelerating its plans to implement a 24-hour economy, with extended liquor trading hours being an initial policy change to revitalize nightlife and enhance tourism. The Ministry of Trade and Entrepreneurship indicated that this initiative is supported by World Bank research. This research identified several weaknesses in the tourism sector's diversification, such as low visitor numbers, shorter stays, and inadequate infrastructure.
Must ReadThe Botswana Police Service BPS has called on the public to actively participate in ensuring safety and security during the World Athletics Relays 2026, scheduled for this weekend in Gaborone. BPS Commissioner, Dinah Marathe, emphasized that the success of this event relies on the cooperation of law enforcement agencies, the public, the business community, and all stakeholders. Marathe urged Batswana to remain vigilant, report any suspicious activities, and fully cooperate with security personnel, highlighting that effective policing requires strong community partnership. She stated, "We depend on the partnership of the community that we serve."