Botswana repatriates abandoned infant from Russia
staff writer | Tuesday September 22, 2026 10:55
The Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) confirmed yesterday that the child arrived in Botswana on the evening of September 20, 2026, and is in good health. The child was born in Moscow in November 2025 to a Motswana who was studying in Russia at the time. Following the abandonment, the Russian authorities took the child into their protection whilst arrangements were made for the minor’s eventual return to Botswana.
The repatriation was facilitated through collaboration between the DPP, Botswana Police Service and the Department of Social Development, working alongside relevant authorities in the Russian Federation. According to the DPP, a Botswana team travelled to Russia to facilitate the process and ensure the child’s safe return home.
The DPP said the successful repatriation demonstrated the importance of cooperation between authorities in Botswana and Russia on matters involving the protection and welfare of children.
“The DPP commends the cooperation amongst the relevant authorities in Botswana and the Russian Federation in ensuring the child’s safe return and protection,” the prosecution authority said.
The circumstances surrounding the child’s abandonment have not been disclosed. The DPP said the identities of the people involved would also not be revealed in order to safeguard the child’s privacy. The child is now back in Botswana and remains under the protection of the relevant authorities.