Three Zimbabweans escape from Botswana prison

Three Zimbabweans serving lengthy jail terms reportedly escaped from Gaborone Central Prison in Botswana last week.

The three are from Bulawayo, Marondera and Masvingo.

According to media reports, the prisoners are identified as Dennis Alec Moyo (36), Shadreck Noel Tsoko (30) and Patrick Muchenje aged 28.

Moyo was serving 13 years for rape and robbery. Tsoko was serving a five-year sentence for warehouse breaking and theft, while Muchenje was serving 19 years for armed robbery and rape.

Reports say the three escaped alongside eight others who were rearrested just outside the prison.

Superintendent Modisaotsile Bonang of Central Police Station in Gaborone is quoted saying the convicts escaped on June 16.

"It was alleged that 11 inmates had escaped but upon arrival my officers were informed that only three were on the run while eight were rearrested by prison officials," he said.

Bonang said the inmates allegedly used the motor vehicle entrance to escape following commotion with 10 prison warders.

Several Zimbabweans have in the past escaped from Botswana prisons.