A 33-year-old inmate, Itai Madhongo, was recaptured following a daring escape attempt at Harare Magistrates Court, Zimbabwe, on January 13, 2026, after he stabbed a correctional officer and stole his uniform to walk out unnoticed.
According to the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS), Madhongo attacked the officer while being escorted to court, injuring him in the face and neck. The officer was treated and is in stable condition.
Madhongo then disguised himself in the officer’s uniform and tried to leave the court. The ZPCS SWAT team, canine unit, and other officers swiftly located him hiding under sewer drain pipes. Some reports suggest he was also found behind wooden panels with a bunch of keys allegedly taken from the officer.
Madhongo, already serving 38–45 years for violent crimes including armed robbery and r@pe, was in court for a new r@pe case. The incident caused a courthouse lockdown and triggered an intensive search. ZPCS condemned the attack and vowed to strengthen security measures.
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