Botswana woman Lesedi Molapisi, who was sentenced to death in Bangladesh after being convicted of drug smuggling, has finally been released after more than four years in prison. The Botswana government confirmed her release on Tuesday, 1 September 2026, following years of diplomatic efforts and uncertainty over her fate.
Molapisi was arrested in Dhaka on 23 January 2022 after Bangladeshi authorities found narcotics in her luggage. She was subsequently convicted and sentenced to death on 27 May 2024.
The Office of the President of Botswana confirmed the development in a statement released on Tuesday.
“Ms. Lesedi Molapisi has been released from the Bangladesh prison where she was held following her sentencing to death on 27th May 2024.”
Her case had remained in the spotlight because of the severity of the sentence and concerns over the possibility of a Botswana citizen being executed abroad.
The Botswana government said President Duma Gideon Boko personally appealed for executive clemency and the commutation of Molapisi’s death sentence.
Following the President’s instructions, the Ministry of International Relations became involved in efforts to secure her release through diplomatic channels.
The government said Minister of International Relations Dr Phenyo Butale engaged Bangladesh’s former interim Prime Minister Dr Muhammad Yunus and current Foreign Affairs Minister Khalilur Rahman.
“The Minister of International Relations, Honourable Dr. Phenyo Butale engaged with the former Interim Prime Minister of Bangladesh, His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Yunus, and the current Minister of Foreign Affairs, Honourable Dr. Khalilur Rahman on Ms. Molapisi’s release.”
Botswana’s diplomatic missions in South Africa and India were also involved. The government said they engaged Bangladeshi authorities and assisted with “consular assistance and support”.
It also said it worked with local and international human-rights organisations, including Ditshwanelo, to help ensure Molapisi received appropriate legal representation.
Molapisi’s case attracted renewed attention in March 2025 when reports circulated claiming she had already been executed in Bangladesh.
Her father, Goitsemodimo Molapisi, later confirmed that she was alive and remained in prison.
The case had initially begun with her arrest at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. According to Botswana’s Daily News, authorities found more than 3kg of heroin in her luggage after she arrived from South Africa.
Her death sentence was handed down on 27 May 2024.
The Botswana government has thanked Bangladesh for granting Molapisi clemency.
“The Government hereby expresses its deep appreciation to the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh for granting Ms. Molapisi clemency.”
The government said her release reflected the “strong bonds of cooperation between the two countries”.
The post Botswana Woman Lesedi Molapisi, Sentenced To Death In Bangladesh For Drug Smuggling, Released After 4 Years appeared first on iHarare News.
