Bank of Botswana warns that mutilating or reproducing banknotes and coin is an offence and urges proper handling of the Pula

The Bank of Botswana issued a public statement reminding the public to handle banknotes and coin carefully, and warning that mutilation and unauthorised reproduction of currency are prohibited and punishable under the Bank of Botswana Act and the Bank’s Clean Banknotes and Coin Policy. The Bank listed prohibited actions including tearing, perforating, stapling, burning, defacing, writing, printing, stamping, drawing on, applying adhesives to, or exposing money to moisture, excessive heat and dirt, with offenders liable to a fine, imprisonment, or both. It also flagged observed misuse such as “money/cash bouquets”, cake decorations and confetti, and reiterated that reproducing banknotes or coin without the Bank’s permission is an offence; the Bank warned these practices can compromise the integrity and quality of the Pula and make currency unfit for circulation, potentially lowering public confidence. Members of the public were asked to report misuse to the Bank of Botswana or the nearest police station.