Mutimurefu Prison Escapees Storm Village Head’s Home And Hijack His Car

By Staff Reporter
Two convicts who escaped from Mutimurefu Prison allegedly stormed a village head’s home in Masvingo before hijacking his Toyota Vitz and abandoning it during a dramatic chase on Saturday night, 8 August 2026.

Tafadzwa Janyure Zimirenyika, 27, and James Masunda, 34, escaped from Mutimurefu Prison on Friday night. They are now being sought by police after allegedly terrorising residents in Chief Chikwanda’s area.

Escaped Convicts Target Village Head’s Home
Village Head Jacob Moyo told the Masvingo Mirror that he was asleep when a bright torch suddenly shone through his bedroom window at about 8pm.

He said one of the men was already inside his bedroom and demanded money before ordering him to hand over his vehicle keys.

“I was already asleep when I was awakened by a large torch shining into my face through the window. When I woke up, I saw one man standing near the door in my bedroom.”

The escapees initially struggled to start the Toyota Vitz because Moyo disconnects its battery when the vehicle is parked.

They allegedly forced him to explain how to reconnect it. Moyo then seized the opportunity to escape through a window and raise the alarm.

Motorists Chase Mutimurefu Escapees
The alarm prompted businessmen and other motorists to pursue the vehicle.

After a chase of about 1km, the escapees abandoned the Toyota Vitz near Chikwanda Primary School and fled on foot.

Masvingo Provincial Police spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed that the two escaped prisoners were suspects and warned members of the public not to confront them.

Dhewa also urged residents not to post sightings on social media.


“They should contact the police immediately or community leaders like village heads or councillors so that they can notify the police quickly.”

The escapees had allegedly visited another nearby home shortly before targeting Moyo. Mediline Mudzingwa said the men, who were allegedly armed with machetes, forced her family to lie down and demanded US$1,000 (approximately R16,500).


She said they left with US$173 (approximately R2,855) and several items of clothing.

The police search was continuing as of Wednesday, 12 August 2026.