Zimbabwean Woman Who Escaped From Gaborone Prison Recaptured

A 50-year-old Zimbabwean woman who escaped from Gaborone Women’s Prison on Wednesday, 4 February 2026, has been recaptured.

Botswana Prison Service (BPS) spokesperson Senior Superintendent Oagile Kojane said Stella Sibanda was caught in the early hours of Friday morning in Gaborone. Said Kojane:

“The Botswana Prison Service wishes to inform members of the public that prisoner Stella Sibanda, aged 50 years, who escaped from Gaborone Women Prison yesterday, the 04th February 2026, has been recaptured earlier today (05th February 2026, 0100 hours) at Gaborone Block 3.

“The Botswana Prison Service extends its appreciation to members of the public for their cooperation and to other law enforcement agencies who worked tirelessly to ensure the recapture of the inmate.

“We would like to assure the nation that measures are continuously being strengthened to prevent similar incidents in the future, and the safety and security of the public remains our top priority.”

Sibanda was being held on remand for a murder charge and now faces an additional charge of escaping from lawful custody.

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