Antony Chawagarira
MASVINGO – Police have launched a manhunt for two dangerous criminals who escaped from Mutimurefu Prison in Masvingo on Saturday morning typical of the famed PRISON BREAK season 5 script with authorities warning members of the public against approaching them.
The escapees have been identified as Tafadzwa Janyure Zimirenyika (27), who was serving a life sentence for murder, rape and armed robbery cases, and James Masunda (34), who was serving a 27-year jail term for rape and armed robbery.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the escape and said investigations were underway to establish circumstances surrounding the incident.
“The two escaped today early in the morning and we have launched a manhunt for them. The criminals should be treated as very dangerous people and anyone with information about their whereabouts should inform the nearest police station,” said Comm Nyathi.
Police said Zimirenyika was also linked to 203 other cases involving serious crimes such as murder, armed robbery and rape, and was still awaiting trial in some of the matters.
The escape has triggered heightened security efforts as law enforcement agents intensify searches to locate the two fugitives.
Members of the public have been urged not to confront the escapees but to immediately alert the police if they spot them or have information that could assist investigations.
Mutimurefu Prison, located in Masvingo, is one of Zimbabwe’s major correctional facilities and houses inmates serving various sentences, including those convicted of serious offences.
