Murder-accused Zimbabwean woman prison breaker, recaptured in Botswana

An inmate who escaped from the Botswana Prison Service has been recaptured less than 24 hours later, authorities confirmed on Thursday.

The Botswana Prison Service said 50-year-old Stella Sibanda, who escaped from Gaborone Women Prison on Wednesday, February 4, was apprehended earlier on Thursday in Gaborone's Block 3.

Prison service spokesperson Oagile Kojane said Sibanda was recaptured following coordinated efforts involving law enforcement agencies and members of the public.

"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, has been recaptured earlier today at Gaborone Block 3," Kojane said.

He thanked members of the public for their cooperation and commended the support provided by other law enforcement agencies during the operation.

The prison service reassured the public that measures were being strengthened to prevent similar incidents in the future, emphasising that public safety and security remain a top priority.

At the time of her escape, Sibanda was being held on a murder charge and had not yet been convicted. Prison authorities said she was on remand when she fled from custody.

Details surrounding the alleged murder, including when or where it occurred, have not been disclosed. It is also unclear when Sibanda was due to next appear in court.

Her escape raised security concerns due to the seriousness of the charge she faces, triggering an immediate search operation. The Botswana Prison Service later confirmed that Sibanda was returned to lawful custody shortly after her recapture.