Police deploy drones, dogs in hunt for escaped Masvingo prisoners

By Southerton Business Times | Masvingo, Zimbabwe | August 9, 2026

POLICE have deployed drones, tracker dogs and large numbers of officers across Masvingo as the manhunt intensifies for two high-profile prisoners who escaped from Mutimurefu Prison on Saturday. The fugitives are Tafadzwa Janyure Zimirenyika, 27, and James Masunda, 34, who escaped from the correctional facility on August 8.

Zimbabwe Republic Police national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that a manhunt had been launched for the two men, who authorities have described as dangerous.

Sources said police have maintained a round-the-clock operation across the province as officers search for the fugitives. The deployment reportedly includes drones and tracker dogs, with officers checking possible routes and areas where the two men could be hiding.

Alleged tuckshop robbery after escape

Reports from other sources allege that the fugitives robbed a tuckshop at Zano on the same night they escaped. The circumstances surrounding the alleged robbery, including what was reportedly taken and whether anyone was injured, could not immediately be independently verified. Police have not publicly confirmed the alleged robbery. The reported development has nevertheless heightened concern among residents as authorities attempt to establish the movements of the fugitives following their escape.

How the prisoners allegedly escaped

Sources said the two prisoners allegedly used a hacksaw to cut burglar bars on a cell window before making their way out of the prison. They reportedly escaped over the prison perimeter wall. Further reports allege that a prison officer attempted to shoot at the fleeing prisoners but that the firearm jammed. Another prison officer was reportedly injured when he accidentally shot himself in the foot while a tactical team was preparing to pursue the escapees. The injured officer was reportedly taken to Masvingo Provincial Hospital for treatment. These details had not been independently verified by Southerton Business Times at the time of publication.

CID chief visits prison

Sources also said Criminal Investigations Department national head Commissioner Chrispen Charumbira visited Mutimurefu Prison following the escape. The reported visit comes as investigators seek to establish how the prisoners breached security and whether anyone assisted them. Questions are also likely to focus on the security measures in place at the prison and the circumstances surrounding the alleged use of a hacksaw.

Witnesses fear for their safety

The escape has also raised concerns about the safety of people who testified against Zimirenyika in previous criminal cases. Zimirenyika was serving a life sentence following his conviction for serious offences, while also facing other cases in the High Court. Sources said some witnesses and complainants who were involved in cases against him were now concerned about their safety. Zimirenyika's escape is reportedly his second attempt to flee custody. Sources said he previously attempted to escape while returning from court but was pursued and apprehended by prison officers. Masunda is reportedly serving a 24-year prison sentence in connection with robbery-related offences.

Manhunt continues

Police have urged members of the public to exercise caution and immediately report any information that could help locate the fugitives. Authorities are expected to continue searching across Masvingo while investigators work to determine exactly how the escape occurred. The alleged robbery at Zano, the reported firearm incidents and the circumstances surrounding the prisoners' escape remain subject to investigation. Members of the public are advised not to approach or attempt to apprehend the fugitives themselves if they are spotted, but to alert the police immediately.

Masvingo prison escape