Tafadzwa Zimirenyika Janyure, a convicted murderer and rapist serving a lengthy prison sentence in Zimbabwe, has reportedly escaped from Mutimurefu Prison in Masvingo, according to reliable sources.
Janyure, who was sentenced to life imprisonment and is also reportedly serving an additional 70-year sentence, is said to have escaped from the correctional facility alongside fellow inmate James Masunda, who is serving a 20-year prison sentence.
The reported escape is believed to have occurred after the two men attended court proceedings in Masvingo. Janyure was reportedly appearing in connection with another robbery case, while Masunda was attending court as a witness in a separate matter.
According to information from sources, the two inmates allegedly breached cell security before making their way out of the prison compound through the perimeter fence.
The circumstances surrounding the alleged security breach remain unclear, including how the two prisoners managed to overcome security measures and gain access to the prison perimeter.
Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Meya Khanyezi confirmed that an inmate escape had occurred at Mutimurefu Prison.
However, Khanyezi reportedly said she was yet to receive full details concerning the incident and could not immediately provide further information about the circumstances of the escape or the whereabouts of the two inmates.
Janyure is regarded as a high-risk prisoner because of the seriousness of the offences for which he has been convicted. He was convicted of murder, attempted murder, armed robbery and rape and received a life sentence.
He is also facing additional charges before the High Court, including another robbery case in which he was reportedly appearing when the latest developments occurred.
The reported escape is expected to trigger questions about prison security and the procedures used to transport and supervise inmates attending court proceedings.
Court appearances involving prisoners serving lengthy sentences require strict security arrangements, particularly where inmates have been convicted of serious violent offences. Authorities will likely seek to establish how the alleged breach occurred and whether any security protocols were compromised.
The reported escape of Masunda alongside Janyure adds another dimension to the incident, with authorities now expected to determine how both inmates managed to leave the facility.
A search operation is expected to follow as law-enforcement and correctional authorities work to establish the whereabouts of the two men.
At the time of publication, authorities had confirmed that an escape occurred at Mutimurefu Prison but had not released full details of the incident.
Further information is expected as investigations continue and officials establish the exact circumstances surrounding the reported escape.
Members of the public are advised to avoid approaching anyone they believe may be an escaped prisoner and instead report relevant information to law-enforcement authorities.
Source: Thepressradio.com
