By Edwin Moyo
MASVINGO-A Mutimurefu Prison inmate serving a 27-year sentence has appeared before Masvingo Magistrate, Archie Wochiunga facing charges of escaping from lawful custody and four counts of robbery.
Liberty Hove stood in for the state.
James Masunda is jointly accused with Tafadzwa Janyure Zimirenyika, who is still at large.
The court heard that on August 8, 2026, at around 12.05am, Masunda and Zimirenyika, who were inmates at Mutimurefu Prison, allegedly connived and used an unknown sharp object to cut through the prison’s security fence before escaping.
On the second count, the court heard that at around 5am, the pair allegedly proceeded to Zigwi tuck-shop in Chikwanda, where they forcibly opened the door while the complainant, Progress Munamati, was sleeping.
They allegedly threatened to kill Munamati before demanding cash and allegedly took US$20, various foodstuffs and a pair of blue jeans.
Later that evening, at around 8pm, the two allegedly went to Medlyn Mudzingwa’s homestead armed with a machete and a knife.
The court heard that they ordered Mudzingwa to lie on the floor before forcing her into her bedroom, where they searched her wardrobe and allegedly stole US$173, a black satchel, a brown polo-neck and a pair of blue jeans.
At around 8.30pm, the pair allegedly broke into Jacob Moyo’s bedroom while he was asleep and demanded cash.
After Moyo failed to give them money, they allegedly took his Toyota Vitz, registration number ADD 2232.
Villagers reportedly pursued the suspects, who abandoned the vehicle and fled from the scene.
The State opposed bail, arguing that Masunda was a flight risk because he had already escaped from lawful custody.
The prosecution further argued that he could interfere with witnesses, as he allegedly knew where they lived and had threatened them.
Masunda was remanded at Mutimurefu under guard pending further trial.
