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Higher interest rates drive bank customer complaints

Peacekeeper: Maotwanyane investigates bank customers’ complaints against banks
Peacekeeper: Maotwanyane investigates bank customers’ complaints against banks

The sharp increase in interest rates last year, as the central bank fought against inflation, not only put pressure on borrowers but also raised the number of complaints filed by bank customers about their loans.

Data from the Banking Ombudsman has revealed complaints that flooded Gabriel Maotwanyane’s office ranged from customers who defaulted on their loans to those who lost their properties after being retrenched.

The Office of the Banking Ombudsman was established by the Bankers Association of Botswana in 2002 to investigate and mediate customer complaints against commercial banks.

Editor's Comment
‘Fake’ drugs: A matter of life, truth and accountability

When claims of such gravity are made, especially by a sitting Assistant Minister they cannot be brushed aside, delayed, or treated as routine political noise. Even the Ombudsman has confirmed receipt of a report from a political party and a review of these complaints is now underway. That is a necessary first step. But it is only the beginning. The seriousness of the allegations demands urgency, transparency and clarity. The public is entitled to...

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