MANHUNT ESCALATES AFTER HIGH-PROFILE PRISON BREAK IN MASVINGO

• Police in Masvingo have deployed drones, tracker dogs, and a large contingent of officers in a round‑the‑clock operation across the province to recapture two escaped high‑profile prisoners.

• The fugitives are:

  • Tafadzwa Janyure Zimirenyika (27) – serving a life sentence plus approximately 70 years for murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, rape, and other offences.

  • James Masunda (34) – a serial robber serving 24 years.

• They escaped from Mutimurefu Prison after attending a High Court hearing in Masvingo.

ESCAPE METHOD & INCIDENT

• The pair used a hacksaw to cut through the burglar bars on a cell window, then scaled the prison wall/fence.

• During the escape:

  • A prison officer’s gun jammed when he tried to shoot them.

  • Another officer accidentally shot himself in the feet while the tactical team was preparing to pursue; he was rushed to Masvingo Provincial Hospital.

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

• On the same night (8 August), the fugitives robbed a tuckshop at Zano.

• The escape was publicly confirmed on 8 August, with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) issuing an immediate appeal for information.

• By 9 August, the manhunt had intensified with drones, dogs, and mass officer deployment.

• CID National Head Commissioner Chrispen Charumbira visited the prison to assess the situation.

ADDITIONAL CONCERNS

• This is Zimirenyika’s second escape attempt; he was previously recaptured after trying to flee while returning from court.

• Authorities have expressed concern for the safety of witnesses and complainants who testified against Zimirenyika.

• The ZRP has publicly appealed to the public for any information that could lead to the fugitives’ arrest.

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