Botswana Post traces missing millions
Mpho Mokwape | Wednesday May 20, 2026 06:00
Mzwinila told the Parliamentary Committee on Statutory Bodies and State Enterprises yesterday that investigations and reconciliation processes conducted by Botswana Post had helped the organisation recover and trace the majority of the funds that were initially believed to be missing.
“We have managed to trace the funds and reconcile the books,” Mzwinila told the committee during the session.
He further stated that only P7 million still remains unreconciled in the accounting records, adding that efforts are continuing to establish the final details surrounding the remaining balance.
The matter attracted public attention after reports emerged suggesting that P59 million had disappeared from the trust account managed by Botswana Post at Stanbic Bank. The reports sparked questions about financial controls and accountability within the state-owned enterprise.
During his appearance before the parliamentary committee, Mzwinila explained that the issue was largely linked to accounting and reconciliation challenges rather than the physical disappearance of money.
He assured members of the committee that the organisation had been working closely with relevant authorities and financial experts to verify transactions and ensure that all records are properly aligned.
“The reconciliation process has been ongoing, and significant progress has been made,” he said.
Committee members questioned Botswana Post executives on the handling of the trust account and the measures being implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The committee also sought clarity on whether internal systems had failed, leading to the allegations of missing money.
Mzwinila also revealed that Botswana Post is currently facing legal claims amounting to P17.9 million linked to cancelled government projects in which the organisation had a stake.
He said the claims emerged after some projects involving government partnerships were discontinued before completion.
“Some of these claims are associated with projects that were cancelled by the government, and Botswana Post had already made certain commitments related to those projects,” he explained.
He did not provide full details of the projects involved but indicated that the organisation is engaging relevant stakeholders and legal teams to manage the claims.
The government has, in recent months, intensified oversight on several parastatal organisations amidst growing concerns over financial management, governance, and accountability in state-owned entities.
Botswana Post was amongst the institutions called to appear before the committee to explain its financial position and operational challenges.
The latest revelations are expected to bring some relief following widespread concern over the reported missing millions.
However, lawmakers indicated that they would continue monitoring the matter closely until all outstanding balances are fully reconciled and all questions surrounding the trust account are answered.
Botswana Post has not yet indicated when the remaining P7 million will be fully reconciled, but Mzwinila assured the committee that work is continuing to close the gap and finalise the accounting process.
“We are committed to ensuring that every transaction is accounted for and that the books are fully reconciled,” he said.