Two Zimbabwean nationals have been arrested alongside a Botswana citizen in connection with an alleged P375,000 robbery in Maun, as Botswana police intensify investigations into a series of suspected serious crimes.
The suspects, identified as Donald Sibanda, 42, and Lyghton Nembaware, 39, were arrested together with 42-year-old Botswana national Bonnie Secha.
According to the Botswana Police Service (BPS), the three are linked to a robbery reported in Maun on 5 June 2026, during which three businessmen were allegedly robbed of more than P375,000 (about US$27,000) in cash and property valued at over P80,000.
Two Zimbabwean suspects were already wanted
Police said Sibanda and Nembaware were arrested on 19 August, while Secha was arrested three days later on 22 August.
The arrests followed intelligence gathering and investigations into the Maun robbery.
According to the BPS, the two Zimbabwean suspects were allegedly already wanted in connection with several other outstanding criminal cases.
These cases reportedly involve allegations of:
- Robbery
- House and business break-ins
- Unlawful possession of firearms
- Unlawful possession of ammunition
The cases were reported in Gaborone, Mogoditshane and Francistown.
One suspect allegedly barred from Botswana since 2007
Police also revealed that Nembaware had previously been declared a prohibited immigrant in Botswana in 2007.
The disclosure adds another dimension to the investigation as authorities examine the suspects’ backgrounds and their alleged links to other criminal cases.
However, the allegations remain matters before the courts and have not yet been proven.
Suspects appear in Maun court
All three suspects appeared before the Maun Magistrates’ Court on 25 August 2026.
They face one count of robbery in connection with the Maun incident.
The court remanded the suspects in custody while police continue with their investigations.
They are expected to return to court on 8 September 2026.
Botswana police intensify crime crackdown
The arrests come as the Botswana Police Service steps up efforts to tackle organised and violent crime.
Police said sustained intelligence operations and investigations are helping authorities identify wanted suspects and dismantle criminal networks operating across communities.
The BPS has also urged members of the public to provide information that could assist investigators and help improve community safety.
The alleged involvement of suspects linked to multiple cases across different parts of Botswana also highlights the importance of intelligence-led policing in tracking individuals wanted for serious offences.
Suspects remain innocent until proven guilty
The allegations against Sibanda, Nembaware and Secha have not been tested in court.
All three remain innocent until proven guilty.
Their next court appearance is scheduled for 8 September 2026, while investigations into the Maun robbery and the other alleged offences continue.
