Tax leakages expose high-level corruption at BURS
The ongoing forensic investigations at the Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS) have uncovered malpractice involving members of its executive management, including illegal cigarette smuggling, fraudulent tax refunds, and questionable tax waivers.
Initial findings suggest that over P100 million has been lost through these activities. Sources reveal that some senior officials implicated in the investigations are either on suspension or have been advised to stay away from duty pending the outcome. Others include former employees linked to a syndicate accused of facilitating illicit tobacco trade, which not only robs the government of revenue but also undermines public health initiatives.
In relation to tax fraud, the implicated officers reportedly collaborated with companies submitting false tax returns, exploiting system weaknesses to claim millions. The syndicate’s activities have already led to an active court case, with some officers charged and suspended after being caught in the act.
According to sources, tensions between BURS Commissioner General (CG) Jeanette Makgolo and some of these figures began in early 2021, following her refusal to renew the contract of a former senior compliance and investigation officer. This officer had led a controversial task force that raided prominent businessmen before the 2019 general election, accusing them of owing millions in taxes.
He also spearheaded the claim that current President Duma Boko was not tax-compliant, leading to the seizure of his vehicles, campaign material and helicopter. The said former BURS senior officer has since been employed by the Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS).
When Makgolo assumed her role in 2021, she reportedly declared that BURS would no longer serve as a political tool. This decision triggered pushback from some officers who felt their influence and operations were under threat.
Botswana Guardian reported last week about deliberate attempts to frustrate Makgolo’s reforms including the proposed restructuring process which seeks to position BURS as one of the leading tax revenue collection agencies in the world. Allegedly, some implicated individuals are actively working to discredit her and have her removed from office.
The problem extends beyond BURS. Sources allege the involvement of senior government officials and politicians in a powerful cartel resisting Makgolo’s reforms.
“This is a very big syndicate that won’t go down without a fight. They believe that they run BURS and if not them, then no one else,” one source said.
Fresh details reveal collaboration between some members of this cartel and individuals within the DIS and the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC). These state agencies are said to have launched investigations targeting Makgolo, allegedly receiving a dossier implicating her in corruption.
DCEC officials reportedly spent weeks at BURS headquarters, requesting documents related to ongoing investigations while making inquiries about Makgolo’s properties and assets. Insiders suggest that the aim is to derail the forensic findings before they reach the Minister of Finance, Ndaba Gaolathe, or President Advocate Duma Boko.
Despite the resistance, Makgolo has ordered lifestyle audits on key figures believed to be part of the syndicate. “This is a large and deeply entrenched cartel. It’s not just about BURS—it involves political and state machinery,” noted an informant.
Makgolo could not be drawn into discussing the matter. DCEC Principal Anti-Corruption officer II, Nlayidzi Gambule confirmed that there is an investigation going on at BURS. He however dismissed claims that the DCEC has seized some files at BURS. Gambule stated that since these investigations are fresh there isn’t much he could share.