MASVINGO — Police have launched a manhunt for two convicted prisoners who escaped from Mutimurefu Prison on Saturday, August 8, 2026, with members of the pub...
MASVINGO — Police have launched a manhunt for two convicted prisoners who escaped from Mutimurefu Prison on Saturday, August 8, 2026, with members of the public being urged to provide information that could assist in their arrest.
The two prisoners have been identified as Tafadzwa Janyure Zimirenyika, 27, and James Masunda, 34. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) appealed to anyone who may have information about their whereabouts to contact the nearest police station.
Police also urged members of the public to contact the ZRP National Complaints Desk on (0242) 703631 or send information via WhatsApp on 0712 800107.
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According to information reported by the Masvingo Mirror, Janyure is serving a life sentence together with an additional 70 years in prison. He is also facing several other charges before the High Court.
Masunda, meanwhile, is serving a 20-year prison sentence, according to the same report. The circumstances surrounding his escape are now part of the police investigation.
The two prisoners reportedly escaped after attending court proceedings in Masvingo. Janyure was appearing in connection with another robbery case, while Masunda had attended court as a witness in a separate matter.
Following the court appearances, the pair were reportedly returned to Mutimurefu Prison. They allegedly breached cell security before making their escape through the prison’s perimeter fence.
The escape has prompted a police operation to locate and apprehend the two men. Authorities have not provided further details about how the prisoners managed to breach the security arrangements at the facility.
Police have appealed for members of the public to avoid taking matters into their own hands and instead provide any information directly to law enforcement. The appeal comes as authorities work to establish the movements of the two escapees following their departure from the prison.
The ZRP said information can be provided to any police station, allowing members of the public who may have encountered either of the two men to alert authorities. The National Complaints Desk and its WhatsApp number have also been provided as channels for information.
Janyure’s reported sentence includes life imprisonment and an additional 70 years, while he remains involved in other court proceedings. His escape therefore comes as he faces further legal proceedings relating to another alleged robbery.
Masunda’s case is separate, with the prisoner reportedly having attended court as a witness before his escape. He remains wanted by police alongside Janyure.
The authorities have not indicated how far the two prisoners may have travelled since escaping from Mutimurefu Prison. Members of the public are therefore being urged to remain alert and immediately report any information that could help investigators locate them.
The manhunt remains underway as police seek to return the two prisoners to custody. Anyone with information about Tafadzwa Janyure Zimirenyika or James Masunda is encouraged to contact the police using the official channels provided.
