By A Correspondent – Two convicted prisoners have escaped from Mutimurefu Prison in Masvingo, prompting a police appeal for information that could assist in their recapture.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) said on Saturday that it was searching for Tafadzwa Janyure Zimirenyika, 27, and James Masunda, 34, following their escape on August 8, 2026.
“The ZRP is appealing for information which may lead to the arrest of Tafadzwa Janyure Zimirenyika (27) and James Masunda (34),” police said in a statement.

The police urged members of the public with information about the whereabouts of the two men to report to their nearest police station or contact the ZRP National Complaints Desk on (0242) 703631 or WhatsApp on 0712 800107.

A Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services source said Janyure, who is serving lengthy sentences after being convicted of serious offences, escaped together with Masunda following court proceedings in Masvingo.

According to the source, Janyure is serving a life sentence and an additional 70-year prison term, while he is also facing further charges before the High Court.

Masunda is reportedly serving a 20-year prison sentence.

The source said the two prisoners had attended court proceedings before allegedly compromising security and making their way out of the prison premises through the perimeter fence.

Janyure has previously been convicted of murder, attempted murder, armed robbery and rape