Uniform Stolen, Officer Stabbed: How Convict Was Recaptured After Audacious Prison Break Attempt At Harare Court

An inmate serving a decades-long sentence for violent crimes was dramatically recaptured after an audacious escape attempt at the Harare Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 13 January 2026. The bid for freedom involved stabbing a correctional officer and stealing his uniform in a desperate ploy to walk out of the building undetected.

The Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) confirmed the serious incident involving inmate Itai Madhongo, who was at court for a separate legal proceeding.

“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,” stated Assistant Commissioner Meya Khanyezi, the ZPCS National Public Relations Officer.

The injured officer was rushed to a medical facility for treatment, where he was reported to be in a stable condition. Authorities revealed the calculated next step taken by the convict.

“In a bid to facilitate his escape, the inmate undressed the officer and put on his uniform, aiming to deceive security personnel and escape,” Khanyezi’s statement continued.

The Swift End To A Bold Plan

The convict’s plan to impersonate an officer and slip away was short-lived. The ZPCS mobilised a rapid, multi-unit response which led to a swift conclusion.

“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,” the official report confirmed.

An on-scene account from a court official provided to ZimLive described a different hiding spot, indicating an intense search.

“He was recaptured moments later while hiding behind wooden panels next to a corridor leading to magistrates’ offices,” a prosecutor said, adding, “He had a bunch of keys on him. We suspect he took them from the prison officer.”

A Lengthy Sentence And New Allegations

The 33-year-old Madhongo, from Churu Farm in Glen View, is already imprisoned for a string of serious offences. While the ZPCS cited a 38-year term for unlawful entry, rape, and armed robbery, other reports state he is serving a 45-year sentence. His court appearance was related to a new, separate rape charge. His brother, Simon Madhongo, was also previously jailed for participating in the same crime spree.

The ZPCS condemned the attack and escape attempt, vowing to maintain security. The event caused major disruption, locking down the busy courthouse as reinforcements, including officers with sniffer dogs, flooded the building.