By Tatiana Mhararira
A daring Mutimurefu Prison escapee’s bid for liberty came to an abrupt end on May 10, when Fidelis Jorum Mauyangwe, also known as Felicino Simango, was rearrested by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in connection with a car theft case.
The 35-year-old had escaped from Mutimurefu prison in March along with other inmates, after hijacking a prison vehicle that was later abandoned after an accident.
Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed to TellZim News the arrest of Mauyangwe (35) and his accomplices Bravery Matombi (27) and Admire Shumba (37) also known as Magazini and applauded the community for providing information which led to their arrest.
“I confirm the arrest of Simango a former inmate and his accomplices Matombi and Shumba also known as Magazini on May 10 after stealing a car belonging to Munyaradzi Fatini in Chiredzi.
“We applaud the members of the public for continuously supplying information which leads to the arrest of criminals especially those who would have escaped from prison,” said Inspector Dhewa.
Instead of laying low, Mauyangwe continued his life of crime, and his freedom was short-lived when he was caught by the police in Village 7 Mkwasine, where he was found with the stolen vehicle, a Nissan Vanette worth $6,000.
The vehicle had been stolen on May 7 from Chiredzi, just two months after his escape.
Mauyangwe had been serving a 3-year prison sentence for theft of a motor vehicle, with an expected release date of June 23, 2027. However, he had only served 8 months before his daring escape in March.
His recapture means he will now face additional charges for escape, theft, and other related crimes.
On March 5, 2025 Mauyangwe was taken to go and harvest tomatoes at Zishumbe resettlement in Masvingo and he escaped with other inmates. They hijacked a prison vehicle (white Nissan Navara) during their daring escape but were forced to abandon it after it was involved in an accident.
In March 2025 , police re-arrested Luke Zinyengere, a suspect in an armed robbery case, who made a dramatic escape from court after a prison officer allegedly provided him with a gun.
