An inmate serving a lengthy prison sentence for violent crimes was dramatically recaptured on Tuesday, 13 January 2026, after attempting a bold prison break at the Harare Magistrates’ Court.
The convict, Itai Madhongo (33), stabbed a Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) officer and stole his uniform in an attempt to disguise himself and escape from the court building unnoticed.
Confirming the incident, ZPCS National Public Relations Officer Assistant Commissioner Meya Khanyezi said the attack occurred when the officer entered the holding cell to escort the inmate to court.
“The inmate assaulted a ZPCS officer, inflicting injuries to the face and neck with a sharp object,” Khanyezi said.
The injured officer was rushed to hospital and is reported to be in a stable condition.
After the attack, Madhongo allegedly undressed the officer and put on his uniform, hoping to impersonate a prison official and walk out of the courthouse.
However, the escape plan was short-lived. ZPCS launched a swift response involving its SWAT team, canine unit and on-duty officers, leading to the inmate’s rapid recapture.
“The inmate was quickly apprehended after being found hiding under sewer drain pipes at the Harare Magistrates’ Court,” Khanyezi confirmed.
A court official later gave a slightly different account, saying Madhongo was found hiding behind wooden panels near a corridor leading to magistrates’ offices. He was allegedly found carrying a bunch of keys, suspected to have been stolen from the injured officer.
Madhongo, who hails from Churu Farm in Glen View, is reportedly serving between 38 and 45 years in prison for crimes including rape, armed robbery and unlawful entry. He was appearing in court in connection with a separate rape charge. His brother, Simon Madhongo, was previously jailed for involvement in the same crime spree.
The incident caused a temporary lockdown at the busy courthouse as heavily armed officers and sniffer dogs flooded the premises.
ZPCS strongly condemned the attack and escape attempt, reaffirming its commitment to maintaining security and protecting officers and the public.
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🗞️ NEWS REPORT ZIMBABWE – CRIME & COURTS
🔴 Uniform Stolen, Officer Stabbed as Convict Attempts Daring Escape at Harare Court
An inmate serving a lengthy prison sentence for violent crimes was dramatically recaptured on Tuesday, 13 January 2026, after attempting a bold prison break at the Harare Magistrates’ Court.
The convict, Itai Madhongo (33), stabbed a Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) officer and stole his uniform in an attempt to disguise himself and escape from the court building unnoticed.
Confirming the incident, ZPCS National Public Relations Officer Assistant Commissioner Meya Khanyezi said the attack occurred when the officer entered the holding cell to escort the inmate to court.
“The inmate assaulted a ZPCS officer, inflicting injuries to the face and neck with a sharp object,” Khanyezi said.
The injured officer was rushed to hospital and is reported to be in a stable condition.
After the attack, Madhongo allegedly undressed the officer and put on his uniform, hoping to impersonate a prison official and walk out of the courthouse.
The escape attempt was short-lived. ZPCS launched a swift response involving its SWAT team, canine unit and on-duty officers, leading to the inmate’s quick recapture.
“The inmate was apprehended after being found hiding under sewer drain pipes within the Harare Magistrates’ Court complex,” Khanyezi confirmed.
A court official later said Madhongo was discovered hiding behind wooden panels near a corridor leading to magistrates’ offices and was allegedly found in possession of a bunch of keys suspected to have been taken from the injured officer.
Madhongo, from Churu Farm in Glen View, is reportedly serving between 38 and 45 years in prison for crimes including rape, armed robbery and unlawful entry. He was appearing in court in connection with a separate rape charge. His brother, Simon Madhongo, was previously jailed for involvement in the same crime spree.
The incident triggered a temporary lockdown at the busy courthouse as heavily armed officers and sniffer dogs were deployed. ZPCS condemned the attack and escape attempt, saying it remains committed to ensuring security and protecting both officers and the public.
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