Cybercrime Cases On The Rise!

Botswana is experiencing a significant rise in cybercrime, with law enforcement authorities reporting sharp increases by twenty five percent in digital fraud, identity theft and unauthorized access to computer systems as criminals increasingly exploit online platforms to target businesses and individuals.
The Botswana Police Service (BPS) 2025 Annual Report indicates that cyber-related offences continue to grow alongside the country’s expanding digital economy. While total recorded offences increased by six percent to 155,344 cases, cyber-enabled crimes emerged as one of the fastest-growing categories.
According to the report, registered cyber threat cases rose by 25 percent during the reporting period, increasing from 320 cases to 399 cases.
Particularly concerning for authorities is the sharp rise in cyber fraud, personation, commonly known as identity theft, and unauthorized access to computer systems. Each of these categories recorded a 100 percent increase over the previous year.
Investigators say many of the offences involve social engineering tactics in which fraudsters impersonate bank officials, service providers or promotional campaigns to obtain sensitive information from victims. Criminals often use the stolen information to gain access to online banking platforms, mobile money accounts and other digital financial services.
The financial impact has been substantial. Police and banking sector data previously recorded losses of approximately P8.16 million through fraudulent digital and mobile transactions across 175 cases. A further 32 complex cases resulted in additional losses estimated at P2.26 million.
Authorities have also noted that cybercriminals are increasingly targeting elderly citizens and individuals with significant financial resources, groups often viewed as more vulnerable to sophisticated online scams.
In response to evolving crime trends, the Botswana Police Service has continued to invest in technology-driven policing initiatives.
The national Safer City Programme remains one of the service’s key crime prevention tools. According to the report, CCTV monitoring assisted in detecting thousands of incidents and contributed to 3,270 arrests during the reporting period.
The police service has also expanded its use of unmanned aerial vehicles, commonly known as drones. The fleet of eight drones accumulated more than 66 operational flight hours in support of surveillance and crime prevention efforts.
However, the growth in cybercrime is placing increasing pressure on specialized investigative units.
The BPS Digital Forensic Laboratory is experiencing growing workloads following a 20 percent increase in electronic devices submitted for forensic examination. Investigators must analyse mobile phones, computers, hard drives and other digital devices to gather evidence in cybercrime investigations.
The increased volume of digital evidence has created processing delays, potentially affecting the speed at which investigations can be completed and cases brought before the courts.
The challenge comes amid broader pressures facing the criminal justice system. The Botswana Police Service currently operates with 12,175 officers against an approved establishment of 12,814, leaving a shortfall of 639 personnel.
Although 873 recruit constables graduated in late 2025, experts note that cybercrime investigations require highly specialized technical skills that extend beyond traditional policing training.
The report further highlights the wider case backlog facing the justice system, with 596,375 cases expected to be carried forward into the next reporting cycle.
As Botswana continues to expand digital services across the economy, banking sector and public institutions, law enforcement officials acknowledge that strengthening cybercrime investigation capacity and digital forensic resources will be critical in addressing the growing threat posed by online criminal networks.