Police launch massive manhunt as fugitives serving life and 70-year sentences unleash wave of robberies in Chief Chikwanda’s area

Masvingo- Two dangerous escaped prisoners serving life and lengthy jail terms are terrorizing communities in Chief Chikwanda’s area, hijacking vehicles and robbing villagers at machete-point just days after breaking out of Mutimurefu Prison, police have confirmed.

Tafadzwa Janyure Zimirenyika (27), who was serving a life sentence plus an additional 70 years, and James Masunda (34), serving 24 years, escaped from the maximum-security facility on Friday night and have since embarked on a crime spree that has left residents in the rural community living in fear.

The fugitives struck on Saturday night, first breaking into the home of Mediline Mudzingwa, a neighbor of Village Head Jacob Moyo. Armed with machetes, they forced the occupants to lie on the floor before ransacking the house, according to police reports.

Later that evening, the pair hijacked a Toyota Vitz belonging to Village Head Moyo, sparking a high-speed chase before abandoning the vehicle. The escaped convicts are also suspected of robbing a local tuckshop in the area prior to the hijacking.

Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the incidents and identified the fugitives as the prime suspects.

“We have deployed massive police resources to hunt down these dangerous individuals,” Dhewa said. “We are warning members of the public not to confront Zimirenyika and Masunda as they are considered armed and extremely dangerous.”

The escape has raised serious questions about security protocols at Mutimurefu Prison, with residents expressing outrage that convicted violent offenders serving substantial sentences could break out so easily.

Police have urged anyone with information on the whereabouts of the fugitives to contact the nearest police station immediately.

Authorities say the manhunt is ongoing and further updates will be provided as the situation develops.