Plumtree prison officer charged with aiding a convicted rapist’s escape

Southerton Business Times
Mar 1
2 min read

Plumtree prison officer charged after convicted rapist’s escape — Cabangani Mathe

PLUMTREE — A 47‑year‑old Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service officer stationed at Plumtree, Yusufu Yusufu, appeared before Plumtree Magistrate Joshua Nembaware on charges of aiding an inmate’s escape, court records show. He was granted US$100 bail, and the matter remains before the courts.

Allegations and how the escape unfolded

Prosecutors, led by Sheila Nyathi, told the court that the incident occurred last year when inmate Cabangani Mathe, serving a 20‑year sentence for rape, escaped from Plumtree Prison. The State alleges that Yusufu conspired with Mathe, supplying him with two hacksaw blades and instructing him to cut through the burglar bars of his holding‑cell window.

According to the prosecution:

Method: Mathe is said to have cut through three bars over five days, disguising the activity as routine cell cleaning.
Escape: On 15 November last year, between 1 am and 2 am, Mathe reportedly completed the cuts and escaped.
Evidence left behind: The hacksaw blades and severed metal pieces were allegedly found inside the cell after the escape.

Legal process and likely next steps

Yusufu faces criminal charges for allegedly facilitating an escape from lawful custody, an offence that carries serious penalties under Zimbabwean law. He was granted US$100 bail and is expected to return to court as the prosecution prepares its case.

Authorities may pursue additional inquiries to determine whether other staff were involved, to locate the escaped inmate if still at large, and to assess any breaches in custodial procedures. The Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service may also conduct internal disciplinary reviews alongside the criminal investigation.

Public safety and institutional accountability

The case highlights concerns about prison security, contraband tools, and the potential for staff collusion to undermine custodial systems. Officials typically treat escapes involving alleged staff assistance as matters requiring both criminal prosecution and institutional reform to restore public confidence.