Prison worker who stole medication jailed

Sibanda went to "desperate efforts" to conceal her crimes, police said

A healthcare worker formerly based at HMP Doncaster who was in a relationship with an inmate and stole medication from the prison has been jailed.

Nomthandazo Sibanda was working as a pharmacy support worker, having been employed by an external healthcare provider, when police were alerted to her relationship in August 2024, South Yorkshire Police said.

She was arrested the following month after recorded telephone conversations confirmed her "clandestine relationship" with the serving inmate.

Sibanda, 24, of Sussex Street in Balby, Doncaster, admitted misconduct in a public office and theft by an employee, and was jailed for eight months at Sheffield Crown Court on Thursday.

'Soon rumbled'

Boxes of medication found in her home had been stolen from the prison pharmacy and were still labelled with prisoners' names, police said.

Sibanda created a "false identity" and "exploited her position" to speak with the inmate and steal the drugs, said investigating officer Tayla Waller.

"She went to desperate efforts to try and conceal her identity, but she was soon rumbled," she said.

"I hope this sends an immediate warning to anyone thinking of committing similar crimes."

Two charges against Sibanda relating to possession of a Class C drug and conveying a prohibited article out of a prison will lie on file.

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