By Tichaona Katsvamutima
Two Zimbabwean nationals arrested over a high-value robbery were already wanted in Botswana over a string of serious crimes spanning several cities, while one had been declared a prohibited immigrant nearly two decades ago.
Donald Sibanda, 42, and Lyghton Nembaware, 39, were arrested alongside Motswana national Bonnie Secha, 42, following investigations into the June 5 robbery of three businessmen in Maun.
Maun is in north-western Botswana and is the country’s tourism capital.
The businessmen were robbed of more than P375,000 in cash and property valued at over P80,000.
However, details released by Botswana Police Service (BPS) Public Relations Officer Assistant Commissioner Near Bagali suggest the Maun case may be part of a much wider investigation involving the two Zimbabweans.
“Further investigations established that the two Zimbabwean nationals were already on the BPS’s Wanted List for their alleged involvement in several outstanding criminal cases,” Bagali said in a statement.
According to police, the cases include robberies, break-ins and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, as well as other serious offences allegedly committed in Gaborone, Mogoditshane and Francistown.
In a further twist, Bagali revealed that Nembaware had been declared a prohibited immigrant in Botswana in 2007, raising questions over his subsequent presence in the country and the circumstances under which he allegedly continued operating there.
The arrests followed what Bagali described as “sustained intelligence gathering and meticulous investigations” aimed at dismantling criminal networks and bringing wanted suspects to justice.
Sibanda and Nembaware were arrested on August 19, while Secha was taken into custody three days later, on August 22.
“The Botswana Police Service has intensified its crackdown on organised and violent crime,” Bagali said.
All three appeared before the Maun Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, August 25, facing one count of robbery.
They were remanded in custody pending further investigations and are expected to return to court on September 8.
Bagali also commended members of the public for providing information to police, saying their cooperation continued to play “a critical role” in investigations and in enhancing the safety and security of communities across Botswana.
