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

The prison service confirmed that 50-year-old Stella Sibanda, who escaped from the Gaborone Women Prison on Wednesday, February 4, was recaptured earlier on Thursday in Gaborone’s Block 3.

Botswana Prison Service spokesperson Oagile Kojane said the inmate was apprehended following coordinated efforts by 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 acknowledged the role played by other law enforcement agencies in the operation.

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

Sibanda was being held on a murder charge at the time of her escape and had not yet been convicted. According to the Botswana Prison Service, she was on remand when she fled from custody.

Authorities have not disclosed details of the alleged murder, including when or where it occurred, or whether the case involves a single victim. It is also unclear when Sibanda was expected to next appear in court.

Her escape raised security concerns given the seriousness of the charge she faces, prompting an immediate search operation involving prison officials and other security agencies.

The prison service later confirmed that Sibanda was recaptured less than 24 hours after her escape and has since been returned to lawful custody.