Prison escapee arrested after shoot-out in Masvingo

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has arrested one of two dangerous convicts who escaped from Mutimurefu Prison last week following a shoot-out in Renco, Masvingo.

ZRP national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that James Masunda (34) was arrested on Friday, August 14, 2026, following the confrontation at Matsa Village in Renco.

Masunda's arrest comes six days after he and fellow inmate Tafadzwa Janyure Zimirenyika (27) escaped from Mutimurefu Prison on August 8, triggering a major police manhunt.

Police had warned members of the public to exercise extreme caution and avoid confronting the fugitives, who were considered dangerous.

According to Nyathi, investigations have established that the two allegedly embarked on a series of armed robberies after escaping from prison as they sought clothing, food and money while on the run.

"The ZRP confirms the arrest of James Masunda (34), following a shoot-out on August 14, 2026, at Matsa Village, Renco, Masvingo," Nyathi said in a statement.

The circumstances surrounding the shoot-out were not immediately disclosed.

Police have intensified efforts to locate Zimirenyika, who remains at large.

Nyathi appealed to members of the public with information that could assist in locating the remaining escapee to report to the nearest police station.

Authorities had previously appealed for information that could lead to the arrest of the two fugitives and warned members of the public against attempting to apprehend them themselves.

With Masunda now in custody, police have shifted their focus to locating Zimirenyika and bringing the prison escape to an end.

Investigations into the escape and the alleged armed robberies remain ongoing.