Manhunt launched for Mutimurefu Prison escapees

POLICE have launched a manhunt for two dangerous criminals who escaped from Mutimurefu Prison in Masvingo on Saturday morning, with authorities warning members of the public not to approach them.

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

Zimirenyika was serving a life sentence after being convicted of murder, rape and armed robbery, while Masunda was serving a 27-year prison sentence for rape and armed robbery.

Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the escape and said investigations were underway to establish the 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," Nyathi said.

Police said Zimirenyika was also linked to 203 other cases involving serious offences, including murder, armed robbery and rape, with some of the matters still pending trial.

The escape has triggered heightened security operations in Masvingo as law enforcement agencies intensify efforts to locate the fugitives.

Members of the public have been urged not to confront the escapees if they are spotted but to immediately alert the police and provide any information that could assist in tracking them down.

The circumstances surrounding how the two inmates managed to escape from the correctional facility remain under investigation.

Mutimurefu Prison is one of Zimbabwe's major correctional facilities and houses inmates serving sentences for a range of offences, including serious and violent crimes.

Police have urged anyone who may have information regarding the whereabouts of Zimirenyika or Masunda to report it to the nearest police station.