Police Intensify Manhunt for Dangerous Mutimurefu Escapees as Drones and Dogs Deployed

Masvingo — A manhunt is underway across Masvingo Province and beyond following the daring overnight escape of two high-profile convicted prisoners from Mutimurefu Prison early on Saturday, 8 August 2026, as fear grips communities still haunted by one of the men’s extensive crime spree.

Tafadzwa Janyure Zimirenyika (27) who is serving a life sentence for murder along with additional lengthy terms for a string of violent offences, fled the facility together with James Masunda (34) who was serving a 27-year sentence for armed robberies and related crimes.

The other escaped convict, Tafadzwa Janyure Zimirenyika.

Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, confirmed the breakout and appealed for public assistance in locating the pair.

“The ZRP is appealing for information which may lead to the arrest of Tafadzwa Janyure Zimirenyika (27) and James Masunda (34).

"The two convicted prisoners escaped Mutimurefu Prison on 08 August 2026.

"Anyone with information should feel free to contact any nearest Police Station or ZRP National Complaints Desk on (0242) 703631 or WhatsApp on 0712 800107,” Commissioner Nyathi said.

Zimirenyika’s criminal record paints a particularly alarming picture. Arrested in Ngundu in June 2025 after months of investigations, he was linked to an astonishing 203 cases spanning robbery, kidnapping, rape, theft of motor vehicles and malicious damage to property across Mwenezi, Renco, Muchakata, Zaka, Ngundu and surrounding areas.

Among the most serious was the murder of Jacob Museva on 6 June 2025 at Lundi Business Centre in Mwenezi, where the victim was allegedly struck fatally with a mattock while trying to intervene in a robbery.

Zimirenyika was also convicted of murder, attempted murder, armed robbery and rape, and at the time of his escape was facing further High Court charges, including robbery.

Reports indicate he had been sentenced to life imprisonment plus additional terms estimated at around 70 years for multiple counts.

Masunda was serving time for various armed robberies.

The pair had reportedly attended a High Court hearing in Masvingo shortly before the escape, with Zimirenyika on trial for robbery and Masunda appearing as a witness in related proceedings.

Reports sat the fugitives used a hacksaw to cut through burglar bars on a cell window before scaling the prison wall under cover of darkness.

A report from one of the region newspapers based in Masvingo, The Mirror, say a prison officer’s firearm reportedly jammed when he attempted to shoot at the escaping inmates.

In a separate incident during preparations for the pursuit, the publication said another officer accidentally shot himself in the foot and was rushed to Masvingo Provincial Hospital.

Criminal Investigations Department national head Commissioner Chrispen Charumbira is said to have visited the prison to assess the situation.

Police have since escalated the search, deploying drones and dog units while large numbers of officers remain on duty around the clock across the province.

Communities in the area have been placed on high alert.

“Be on alert and tell people in your areas, they are some of those people who were going around raping and robbing people, so they can be in your area.

"They ran away from Mutimurefu prison in the middle of the night. So be alert and if you see them please share the information so that they can be apprehended," a local leader warned residents via social media.

There are reports that the pair struck again with accounts suggesting they robbed a tuckshop at Zano on the same night of the escape.

A community member in Ward 14 described a similar incident around 5am, saying the suspects demanded biscuits, drinks and tinned fish.

“One of them is said was wearing a boxer short then said give me your jersey and t shirt which means maybe they had removed the clothes which they had. So I think they are the suspects,” the resident said.

Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service National Spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Meya Khanyezi, earlier confirmed an escape had occurred at the facility but indicated full details were still being established.

Authorities have stressed that the men are extremely dangerous and should not be approached.

Members of the public have been urged to report any sightings or information immediately to the nearest police station or the provided hotlines.

The intensive search continues as police work to return the fugitives to custody and restore calm to communities still recovering from the earlier wave of violence attributed to Zimirenyika.