The government has conceded that it is unable to unmask fake Facebook accounts, a position that experts say is misleading, as internet activity leaves digital footprints that can be traced by investigators equipped with the appropriate tools
SESUPO RANTSIMAKO
The government has admitted its inability to trace fake Facebook accounts that are tormenting citizens, laying bare significant gaps in the country’s digital enforcement and cybercrime response capacity.
Appearing before the Standing Committee on Government Assurance under the Ministry of State President, Defence and Security, Acting Permanent Secretary Jeremiah Makgwa acknowledged that law enforcement agencies are struggling to clamp down on anonymous online accounts that target individuals and disseminate harmful content.
Makgwa said investigators often encounter challenges in tracing the origin of such accounts, making it difficult to identify and prosecute those responsible. He added that digital footprints are frequently concealed or routed through complex technological systems that complicate investigations.
AWAITING FULL IMPLEMENTATION
According to Makgwa, enforcement efforts remain constrained because key provisions of the proposed Cybersecurity Act, 2025, and related cybercrime enforcement mechanisms are not yet fully operational.
He said authorities are currently relying on existing legislation, including the Cybercrime and Computer Related Crimes Act, 2018, while awaiting the rollout of stronger enforcement tools and investigative capabilities.
FRANCE MUSEVENI PRECEDENT
The challenge of anonymous social media accounts is not new. During the previous administration, concerns were raised over a controversial anonymous account known as “France Museveni,” which allegedly published sensitive and damaging information about public figures and government officials.
Despite reports being lodged with law enforcement agencies, the identity of the individual or individuals behind the account was never publicly established, and the account remained active for an extended period.
NEW ACCOUNTS EMERGE
Although the France Museveni account disappeared following the 2024 General Election, concerns over anonymous online activity have persisted.
A new wave of pseudo accounts has since emerged, including one known as “Happy Omang,” which has been accused of targeting politicians and circulating unverified claims on social media platforms.
EXPERTS DISAGREE
Makgwa’s remarks appear to contrast with views previously expressed by Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) senior cybersecurity architect, Dr Trust Mapoka.
In an interview with The Botswana Gazette earlier this year, Mapoka argued that no one is truly anonymous online because internet activity leaves digital footprints that can be traced by investigators equipped with the appropriate tools.
CALLS FOR STRONGER ENFORCEMENT
The Acting PS maintains that strengthening both legal and technical capacity remains critical to combating anonymous online harassment, misinformation, and reputational attacks.
Makgwa hopes that the full implementation of the Cybersecurity Act and related enforcement measures will improve Botswana’s ability to investigate cybercrime and hold perpetrators accountable.