05 Nov 2025

The forensic audit initiated by President Advocate Duma Gideon Boko to strengthen accountability and combat corruption across the public sector is progressing according to schedule.

This was said by the Media and Communications Manager for the project, Mr Christopher Mbulawa, who confirmed that the second phase of the audit, was currently underway and remained on track to be completed within the set timeframe. 

The final report is expected in February 2026.

“We are optimistic that the project will meet its deadline, and so far, we have not encountered any major challenges,” he said.

The audit, conducted by Alvarez and Marsal Middle East Limited, was launched in March to examine risks of corruption, fraud and financial mismanagement across government ministries, departments, State-Owned Enterprises, and regulatory bodies.

Mr Mbulawa said the process began with a comprehensive risk profiling exercise across the public sector, completed within four weeks. 

The findings guided the selection of entities requiring deeper investigation.

Currently in its second phase, Mr Mbulawa said the audit involved detailed investigations into 30 entities identified by the project team for forensic auditing by A&M.

He said public engagement was an important component of the initiative, with platforms made available between August 7 and September 15 to allow citizens to submit information. 

These channels, he said had since closed and all submissions were now being reviewed.

Mr Mbulawa stressed that the forensic audit was independent of other government investigations and that it was premature to quantify the number of entities audited, noting that analysis and verification of evidence remained ongoing.

While the team is on track with fieldwork, they need to review and assess all collected data before finalising any report.

Meanwhile, some members of the public have welcomed the initiative.

A Mathangwane resident, Mr Oliver Magudu, said a comprehensive audit could help reduce financial losses, recover misused funds, and strengthen accountability. 

Mr Magudu hopes that this will not only cut down ongoing losses but also improve efforts to find and recover misused resources, ensuring accountability and restoring public trust.

Similarly, Ms Keitumetse Badu of Bokaa noted that forensic audits could uncover hidden corruption and strengthen internal systems, adding that demonstrating commitment to good governance could boost investor confidence and public trust. ENDS