Masvingo, Zimbabwe – The Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) has confirmed that two inmates have escaped from Mutimurefu Prison, triggering a massive manhunt by law enforcement authorities. The escapees, identified as Feliciano Simango (also known as Fidelis Jorum Mauyangwe) and Never Matoma, managed to flee on Wednesday under circumstances that have raised serious security concerns.
According to an official statement by ZPCS spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Meya Khanyezi, the inmates seized an opportunity while on a supervised work assignment outside the prison facility. During the assignment, they unlawfully accessed a ZPCS vehicle and attempted to use it as a means of escape. However, their plan took a turn when the vehicle was involved in an accident approximately 2.5 kilometers from the site, rendering it inoperable.
Undeterred by the setback, the two inmates abandoned the disabled vehicle and fled on foot. The authorities have since launched an extensive investigation into the incident to determine how the inmates managed to access the vehicle and to identify any lapses in security protocols that may have contributed to their escape.
Feliciano Simango was serving a three-year sentence for theft, while Never Matoma was serving 47 months for unlawful entry and theft. Though their crimes were non-violent, their escape raises concerns about security measures within correctional facilities and the potential risks posed to the public. In response to the incident, the ZPCS has reinforced security measures at Mutimurefu Prison and other correctional facilities to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Assistant Commissioner Khanyezi urged members of the public to remain vigilant and to report any sightings or information that may assist in locating the fugitives to the nearest police station or correctional facility. “We appeal to the community to cooperate with law enforcement authorities by providing any leads that may help in the swift recapture of the escapees,” she stated.
The escape has raised questions about the security procedures followed during supervised work assignments. While these programs are essential for rehabilitation and skill development, they also present potential security risks. The incident underscores the need for enhanced supervision and stricter control measures to prevent further breaches.
The ZPCS is expected to review its policies on inmate labor programs and transportation security. Experts have suggested the use of GPS tracking devices for high-risk prisoners and improved surveillance during external assignments.
This is not the first time inmates have escaped from correctional facilities in Zimbabwe. In previous cases, escapes have often been attributed to lapses in security, lack of adequate staffing, or coordination failures. Each incident serves as a reminder of the importance of stringent security measures in handling inmates, regardless of the severity of their crimes.
While authorities work tirelessly to recapture Simango and Matoma, the focus will also be on ensuring that security loopholes are closed to prevent future escapes. The public is advised to exercise caution and report any suspicious individuals fitting the descriptions of the escapees.
The escape of Feliciano Simango and Never Matoma from Mutimurefu Prison highlights the persistent security challenges within the country’s correctional system. With an active manhunt underway, authorities remain hopeful that they will be apprehended soon. Meanwhile, the incident serves as a wake-up call for prison authorities to reassess their security protocols and reinforce measures to prevent future breakouts.
Members of the public are encouraged to cooperate with law enforcement by reporting any useful information that could lead to the swift recapture of the escapees. Anyone with information is urged to contact the nearest police station or correctional facility immediately.
In other news – Zimbabwean nationals arrested in R5 million ransom kidnapping case
Cape Town authorities successfully thwarted a R5 million ransom plot following a multi-disciplinary intelligence-led operation that led to the arrest of three Zimbabwean nationals on Friday. The operation also resulted in the rescue of a kidnapped Stellenbosch man.
The arrested suspects, identified as Luckmore Tawanda Muzhira (28), Takudzwa Trust Nzounhenda (35), and Itai Elvis Takawira (39), appeared in the Stellenbosch Regional Court on Monday. They are facing serious charges, including kidnapping, assault, extortion, and robbery. The court postponed the case to March 14 for a formal bail application. Read More
