Antony Chawagarira
MASVINGO – Police have deployed drones, sniffer dogs and a large contingent of officers in a province-wide manhunt for two high-profile inmates who escaped from Masvingo Prison.
The fugitives, Tafadzwa Janyure Zimirenyika (27) and James Masunda (34), were still at large yesterday as security agencies intensified efforts to recapture them.
Police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Paul Nyathi confirmed that investigations and the search for the two were underway.
Sources close to the operation said the escape triggered a major security response, with officers deployed around the clock in areas where the fugitives are believed to have passed through.
Preliminary information indicates that the two allegedly used a hacksaw to cut through burglar bars of a prison cell window before escaping.
The break-out reportedly turned dramatic when a prison officer’s firearm is said to have malfunctioned as he attempted to stop the fugitives while they were scaling the prison wall.
In a separate incident during the response, a prison officer was reportedly injured after accidentally discharging a firearm, with the bullet hitting his feet. He was subsequently rushed to Masvingo Provincial Hospital for treatment.
Unconfirmed reports also suggest that shortly after escaping, the fugitives robbed a tuckshop at Zano during the same night.
The escape has heightened security concerns, particularly among witnesses and complainants who testified against Zimirenyika in cases that resulted in lengthy prison sentences.
Zimirenyika was serving a life sentence in one case and a further 70 years in prison in other cases, according to information gathered by New Ziana.
Masunda, meanwhile, is serving a 24-year prison sentence for robbery-related offences.
The latest incident is reportedly Zimirenyika’s second attempt to escape from custody.
He previously attempted to flee while being transported from court but was pursued and subsequently recaptured by prison officers.
The seriousness of the latest escape has seen senior law enforcement officials taking an active interest in the operation, with Criminal Investigations Department national head Commissioner Chrispen Charumbira visiting Masvingo Prison following the incident.
Authorities are now conducting an intensive search across Masvingo and surrounding areas, with drones and sniffer dogs being used to complement ground operations.
Members of the public have been urged to remain vigilant and report any information that could assist in locating the fugitives.
Police have also warned members of the public not to confront or attempt to apprehend the escapees, but instead to immediately alert law enforcement authorities.
