Tinotenda Hove – The Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) has issued an urgent public alert following the escape of an inmate from Harare Central Prison, according to a statement released at the weekend.

ZPCS said inmate Jeffrey Jingura escaped while in possession of a motor vehicle he had been repairing at the Harare Central Prison Workshops. “The Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) would like to inform members of the public of an incident involving the escape of inmate Jeffrey Jingura,” the statement said.

At the time of the incident, Jingura was attached to the prison workshops, where he was participating in a motor mechanics vocational training programme. ZPCS said the initiative forms part of its rehabilitation efforts aimed at equipping inmates with practical skills for their eventual reintegration into society.

“We wish to assure the nation that investigations are currently underway to determine the circumstances surrounding this incident,” ZPCS said, adding that the matter has been reported to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) for further action.

The correctional services authority said it remains committed to maintaining a secure correctional environment despite the incident. “ZPCS remains committed to maintaining a secure correctional environment and to the rehabilitation of inmates. While incidents of this nature are regrettable, they are rare, and we continue to strengthen our security measures to prevent such occurrences in the future,” the statement read.

ZPCS has called on members of the public to assist with information that may lead to the inmate’s recapture. “We call on the public to remain vigilant and to report any information that may assist in the recapture of the inmate,” the statement said.

Members of the public have been advised not to approach the escapee if sighted. “Do not approach him if sighted. Instead, please immediately contact the nearest police station or the ZPCS emergency line on 0242 706501 or 0242 762724,” ZPCS said.