Sibanda first woman to escape prison in 22-years

Friday, February 06, 2026 | 630 Views |

For the first time in more than two decades, a female prisoner has escaped from lawful custody in Botswana. The incident that has left the nation in shock and raised serious questions about prison security.

50-year-old Stella Sibanda, a Zimbabwean national, escaped from Gaborone Women’s Prison on Wednesday. However, her freedom was short-lived, as she was recaptured the following morning in Block 3, Gaborone.

Confirming the incident, Botswana Prison Service (BPS) Public Relations Officer, Oagile Kojane, said escapes involving female inmates are extremely rare.

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