At least 18 returnees were on Wednesday reported missing at Mkoba Teachers College Quarantine Centre in Gweru.
Permanent secretary of Information and Publicity Nick Mangagwana said 15 were men, three women and a small baby.
Mangwana said there is a 2m wall with a razor wire surrounding the college however the group managed to escape quarantine.
Mangwana has warned against families harbouring a Quarantine Centre absconder or border jumper as it puts the whole family and the nation at risk.
