HARARE – Chaos erupted at the Harare Magistrates Court on Tuesday after a convicted rapist and robber, serving a lengthy prison sentence, launched a daring escape attempt, stabbing a prison officer in the eye and briefly disguising himself in the officer’s uniform before being swiftly recaptured.
The Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) has confirmed the incident, identifying the inmate as Itai Madhongo, currently serving a 38-year custodial sentence for unlawful entry, rape and armed robbery. Earlier media reports had incorrectly stated Madhongo was serving a 45-year sentence; ZPCS has since clarified the correct term. At the time of the incident, Madhongo was appearing in court on a separate rape charge.
According to ZPCS National Public Relations Officer Assistant Commissioner Meya Khanyezi, the incident unfolded while Madhongo was in a court cell awaiting his appearance.
“While in a court cell, the inmate assaulted a ZPCS officer who had entered the cell to escort the inmate to court, inflicting injuries to the face and neck with a sharp object,” Assistant Commissioner Khanyezi explained in a statement.
Initial reports indicated the officer was stabbed in the eye with an unknown object. The officer was immediately rushed to hospital for treatment and is reported to be in a stable condition. The ZPCS has launched a full internal investigation to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
In a desperate bid to facilitate his escape, Madhongo allegedly stripped the injured officer of his uniform and donned it himself, hoping to deceive security personnel. He also seized the officer’s keys for his door and leg irons.
“In a bid to facilitate his escape, the inmate undressed the officer and put on his uniform, aiming to deceive security personnel and escape,” confirmed Assistant Commissioner Khanyezi.
The alarm was raised shortly after midday, prompting authorities to shut down the court building. Reinforcements of prison officers, including one with a sniffer dog, were seen rushing into the court building a short-while later.
However, Madhongo’s escape bid was short-lived. Thanks to the swift response of the ZPCS SWAT team, canine section, and other correctional officers on duty at the court, he was quickly apprehended.
“Thanks to the swift and coordinated response of our dedicated ZPCS SWAT team, canine section, and other correctional officers on duty at the court, the inmate was quickly apprehended after he was found hiding under sewer drain pipes at the Harare Magistrates Court,” Assistant Commissioner Khanyezi stated.
Other reports indicated Madhongo was found hiding behind wooden panels next to a corridor leading to magistrates’ offices. A prosecutor told ZimLive that Madhongo had a bunch of keys on him, suspected to have been taken from the prison officer.
Madhongo, of Churu Farm in Glen View, is no stranger to the law. His brother, Simon Madhongo, 37, was also jailed for his role in the crime spree that led to Itai’s initial conviction.
The ZPCS has strongly condemned Madhongo’s actions, vowing to maintain a secure and disciplined environment within its facilities.
“The ZPCS condemns all acts of violence, attempted escapes and any attempt to undermine our security operations,” Assistant Commissioner Khanyezi asserted. “We remain resolute in our mandate to uphold public safety. Such acts not only threaten the safety of individuals but also undermine the integrity and professionalism of our institution.”
The ZPCS has reassured the nation of its commitment to maintaining a secure and disciplined environment within its facilities and during all operational activities.
“The ZPCS will continue to enforce discipline and uphold the rule of law, ensuring that justice prevails,” Assistant Commissioner Khanyezi added. “We extend our gratitude to all officers involved in the swift response and successful apprehension. We remain committed to safeguarding the integrity of our operations and to the safety of all Zimbabweans.”
This incident marks the second attempted escape from the Harare Magistrates Court in under a year. On March 21, last year, two inmates, Luke Zinyengere and Tafadzwa Marondera, attempted to escape while being escorted to a prison truck following a hearing. Zinyengere brandished a revolver that had been smuggled into their cell, threatened prison officers, scaled the court’s palisade fencing, hijacked a car and fled. He was captured three days later and sentenced to 22 years in prison for the escape and carjacking. Marondera was apprehended before he could escape.
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