MVA rocked by sexual abuse claims, toxic workplace
Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund Botswana employees have filed a formal complaint with the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime alleging sexual harassment, misuse of funds, intimidation, and breaches of labour laws.
In a letter dated March 4, 2026, addressed to the DCEC Director General and copied to the Office of the President and the Ministry of Finance, the employees call for an investigation into what they describe as serious misconduct within the Fund’s leadership.
The complaint places the Chief Executive Officer and the Senior Manager for Human Capital at the centre of the allegations.
Among the claims is a case of sexual harassment reported by a female employee before August 2025. According to the letter, the matter was reported to the Human Capital office, but no action was taken.
The same employee later reported another incident following a staff wellness retreat at Kwadiwa Game Lodge, again without any response from management.
Instead of addressing the complaint, the CEO is said to have convened a staff meeting where employees were criticised and warned against raising such issues.
The letter alleges that staff were threatened with dismissal and possible legal action if they continued to report harassment claims. The CEO allegedly suggested using internal systems to trace whistle-blowers.
The employees also claim the CEO appeared to suggest knowledge of the alleged perpetrator but showed willingness to protect them. Beyond harassment claims, the complaint raises concerns over the handling of company resources. The CEO is accused of misusing corporate credit facilities, while the Fund is said to have spent more than P1 million on litigation linked to labour disputes.
The letter details ongoing legal battles involving the Botswana Public Employees Union, including disputes over organisational restructuring, pay structures, and alleged unfair dismissals of senior staff.
Employees describe a workplace marked by fear and intimidation. They accuse the CEO of using threatening language during meetings and targeting union members, particularly those linked to BOPEU structures.
Some staff members claim their career progression has stalled, while others allege manipulation of performance ratings to limit advancement.
The complaint also points to cases where employees who raised grievances were later subjected to disciplinary action or had their contracts not renewed.
In one instance, a staff member who had a clean record and strong performance reviews reportedly had their contract terminated while others in similar positions were retained. Further allegations relate to irregular recruitment and promotion practices.
Employees claim internal candidates are often overlooked in favour of external hires, while acting appointments are extended without confirmation or proper compensation.
Some staff are said to have performed duties of higher positions for months without formal recognition.
The document also raises concerns about unequal pay structures within the organisation. Senior management allegedly benefits from special financial support, including funding for postgraduate studies, while junior employees are denied similar opportunities.
Salary adjustments are also said to favour executives, leaving lower-level staff with stagnant earnings. Employees accuse management of suppressing internal grievance processes and conducting unfair disciplinary proceedings. Some workers were allegedly denied representation during hearings, while others were dismissed without due process.
One case cited involves an IT employee who allegedly suffered severe mental distress following prolonged workplace bullying and was later dismissed after being hospitalised.
The complaint further highlights what employees describe as a governance gap at the Fund. They state that the organisation has been operating without a fully functional board since early 2025, leaving the CEO with
unchecked authority.
The last recorded annual report is said to be from the 2021 financial year, raising concerns about accountability.
Employees also point to a rise in litigation against the Fund, with claims that management has pursued costly legal battles rather than resolving disputes through negotiation.
Some staff who feel unfairly treated have not taken legal action due to financial constraints or fear of retaliation.
In their request, the employees call on the DCEC and the Ministry of Finance to carry out an independent and transparent investigation.
They propose several areas for review, including contract renewals, human resources processes, executive spending, and overall compliance with governance standards.
They say the complaint aims to protect public resources, restore integrity within the institution, and ensure a safe working environment.
When contacted for comment, MVA Fund Senior Manager Corporate Communications, Angela Webb said the Fund has not yet received any communication from the DCEC regarding a possible investigation.
She said as a public institution committed to accountability, the Fund would cooperate fully with investigators should a probe be launched.
“At this stage, the Fund cannot disclose any information as to do so could compromise the integrity of the process,” Webb said, adding that the organisation would only issue further comment once guided by relevant authorities.
Responding to The Midweek Sun, DCEC spokesperson Nlayidzi Gambule confirmed receipt of the enquiry but declined to comment on the specific allegations.
Gambule said the Directorate is bound by confidentiality provisions under the Corruption and Economic Crime Act and cannot release details on ongoing or potential investigations.
He explained that all complaints are handled through a standard process, beginning with assessment before any decision is made to proceed with investigations.
Matters that meet the threshold are assigned to investigators and may later be referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Gambule also said the DCEC operates under whistle-blower protection laws, encouraging members of the public to report suspected wrongdoing without fear.