Mmegi

Inside Botswana’s growing digital safety challenge

Alarming trend: Cyberscams are increasing in frequency in the country
Alarming trend: Cyberscams are increasing in frequency in the country

When the question was asked, the room fell silent. "How many of you know someone who has been scammed using a mobile phone?" Slowly, hands began to rise. One hand became five. Five became twenty. Before long, almost everyone in the room had either lost money themselves or knew someone who had.

That moment has become a familiar scene for facilitators behind the Village Digital Safety Botswana Initiative, a voluntary community outreach programme that is quietly uncovering a reality many never imagined. Cybercrime has reached Botswana's villages.

Not through sophisticated computer hackers breaking into networks, but through simple phone calls, WhatsApp messages, fake competitions, fraudulent investment schemes and mobile money scams that prey on trust rather than technology.

Editor's Comment
Let justice, not politics determine Salakae’s fate

“Justice should not only be done, but should manifestly and undoubtedly be seen to be done.”-Lord HewartHis decision was the correct one.The move neither proves guilt nor settles the serious allegations that have brought him to the doorstep of the Regional Magistrate’s Court.It does, however, recognise a basic principle of accountable government, that a minister facing criminal charges should not remain in a position that could create even...

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