Botswana Police Warn of Surge in Religious and Banking Fraud Targeting the Elderly
The Botswana Police Service has issued a high-level alert following multiple fraud cases where suspects posing as spiritual prophets and bank agents swindled thousands from pensioners.
Harry
By Own Correspondent
Gaborone, Botswana - The Botswana Police Service (BPS) has issued a public warning following a series of sophisticated fraud schemes that strip vulnerable citizens, particularly the elderly, of their life savings.
In a press statement issued on April 17, 2026, BPS detailed a trend of criminals masquerading as spiritual healers and commercial bank representatives to gain access to victims' finances.
The surge in the deceptive swindles has raised concerns regarding the safety of pensioners and the security of digital banking platforms within the country.
Police also said the crimes often exploit the high level of trust placed in religious figures and the authority of financial institutions.
In one high-profile case, a 77-year-old man in Tutume was allegedly defrauded of over P78,000 (Over US$5,000) on Thursday, April 16, 2026.
Reports indicate that two suspects, posing as prophets, manipulated the victim into believing they could resolve his spiritual ailments.
Under their guidance, the victim was persuaded to register for cell-phone banking, allowing the criminals to siphon funds through multiple unauthorised transactions.
"Criminals are increasingly using deception to swindle victims out of large sums of money, posing as prophets, spiritual leaders, or representatives of Commercial Banks," Assistant Commissioner of Police and Public Relations Officer, Near Bagali stated.
The fraudsters are now also engaging in modern digital theft such as forcing victims to update SIM cards or register for mobile apps.
The criminals are said to use new ways to bypass traditional security measures.
A second incident in Lobatse a day before the Tutme case, on April 15, saw a 40-year-old woman lose over P21,000 (about US$1,500) to suspects posing as bank employees conducting "Know Your Customer" (KYC) updates.
The victim only realised the theft after she was locked out of her banking application.
"The Police strongly warn the public to remain vigilant at all times. Never share personal or banking details with strangers," Asst. Com. Bagali warned.
The Botswana Police Service has since launched investigations into both cases and is pursuing several leads.
Botswana police said the latest wave of crime highlights a growing need for financial literacy and cyber-hygiene among older populations who may be less familiar with the protocols of digital banking.
Authorities have urged anyone with information regarding these incidents to contact the Tutume or Lobatse police stations, stressing that public cooperation is essential to dismantling sucheorganised fraud networks.
