ZRP Clarifies — Notorious Felon Mathe Escaped From Prison, Not Police Custody
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has clarified that convicted felon Cabangani “Mike” Mathe escaped from Plumtree Prison — a Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) facility, not from ZRP custody.
Mathe, (37) broke out in the early hours of 15 November 2025, prompting fear and confusion across communities and a nationwide manhunt.
In its official statement, ZRP dismissed reports that Mathe escaped from their custody, stressing the incident occurred at Plumtree Prison.
“For the record, the suspect escaped from Plumtree Prison where he was serving a 20‑year sentence for rape. He also had pending cases before the courts, including murder and engaging in s€xu@l intercourse with a young person,” the police said.
The police further appealed for responsible communication, warning against misinformation.
“We urge media houses and social media users to verify facts with relevant authorities before publishing or sharing information that may mislead the public and create unwarranted speculation,” the statement added.
Mathe cut through the window bars of his cell with a hacksaw blade around 2a.m before escaping.
Convicted of r@p€ on 29 August 2025 and sentenced to 20 years, he also faced pending charges of murder and sodomy.
His breakout has left residents of Plumtree, Bulilima, and Mangwe fearful as security forces intensify the search.
Mathe has long been feared in Plumtree, accused of intimidating victims and flaunting wealth while cases against him collapsed under unclear circumstances.
His eventual conviction stemmed from a brutal 2024 attack on a female employee, with court records alleging he abducted her, forced her into an icy water tank, and later r@p€d her.
Court records stated: “When she pleaded for mercy, he submerged her head in water until she lost consciousness. He then drove her home, forced her to change clothes, and r@p€d her before ordering her to return to work the next morning.”
Other allegations include a case where a woman in protective custody was allegedly handed over to him by a police officer, later smuggled to Botswana, and reportedly murdered.
ZRP and ZPCS have launched joint operations to track Mathe, urging the public to provide credible information and avoid spreading unverified claims.
Officials said verified updates will be issued through official channels as the manhunt intensifies.
-iHarare
