Police Deploy Drones In Hunt For Two Escaped Mutimurefu Prisoners

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has reportedly deployed drones and dogs as the search intensifies for two high-profile prisoners who escaped from Mutimurefu Prison on Saturday, 8 August 2026.

The fugitives have been identified as Tafadzwa Janyure Zimirenyika, 27, and James Masunda, 34.

A large number of officers have been deployed around the clock across Masvingo Province to track them down.

The duo allegedly used a hacksaw to cut burglar bars on a cell window. A prison officer’s firearm is said to have jammed when he tried to shoot the pair as they scaled the prison wall.

A prison officer allegedly accidentally shot himself in the feet and was injured while a tactical team was preparing to pursue the fugitives. He was rushed to Masvingo Provincial Hospital.

Following the escape, the two fugitives allegedly robbed a tuckshop at Zano on the same night.

Zimirenyika is serving a life sentence and an additional 70 years in jail for other cases. This is his second escape attempt. He first tried to flee while coming from court, but another prisoner gave chase and apprehended him.

Masunda is a serial robber serving 24 years in prison.

There are fears for the safety and security of people who testified as witnesses and complainants against Zimirenyika in the cases in which he was sentenced.

More: Masvingo Mirror

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