Botswana police have confirmed the recapture of a Zimbabwean woman who escaped from Gaborone Women’s Prison earlier this week. The incident caused a brief but serious security scare.
Stella Sibanda back in lawful custody
Botswana Police Services issued a statement on Thursday confirming the arrest. The suspect, Stella Sibanda, is a 50-year-old Zimbabwean national.
She escaped from lawful custody at Gaborone Women’s Prison on Wednesday, 4 February 2026. However, police quickly launched a coordinated manhunt across Gaborone.
Police located and arrested Sibanda less than 24 hours after her escape. Authorities then returned her to prison without further incident.
“Ms Sibanda, a murder remand in connection with a Gakuto murder case committed in 2025, was apprehended following coordinated efforts by security agencies,” the statement read.
Prison escapee’s case still before the courts
Authorities confirmed that Sibanda remains on remand and will continue to face legal proceedings. Her murder case is still before the courts.
Police have not shared details about how she managed to escape. They also have not confirmed whether internal investigations have started.
Earlier, BPS public relations officer Senior Superintendent Oagile Kojane identified Sibanda as the escapee. Kojane stated that Sibanda lives in Mashibitlse Ward in Kopong.
She was being held on remand for a murder charge when she escaped. Meanwhile, security agencies worked together to track her movements across the city.
According to Kojane, prison officials cooperated closely with other security organs during the search. However, the exact circumstances of the escape remain unclear.
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