Prison Break: Convicted Rapist Recapture - The Full Details

A convicted rapist and robber caused panic at the Harare Magistrates Court on Tuesday after attempting a bold escape while being taken to court on fresh charges. Itai Madhongo (33) allegedly attacked a prison officer inside the court building, stabbing him before stripping him of his uniform and handcuffing him to a metal bar in a bid to flee undetected .

Court officials said Madhongo briefly disguised himself in the officer's uniform but failed to make it far. He was recaptured moments later while hiding behind wooden panels near a corridor leading to magistrates' offices. The incident triggered a security lockdown at the court complex shortly after midday, with proceedings temporarily halted as authorities mounted a manhunt inside the building .

Additional prison officers, including a unit with a sniffer dog, were swiftly deployed. Madhongo, of Churu Farm in Glen View, is serving a 38-year or 45-year prison sentence, with conflicting reports, after being convicted of multiple counts of rape and armed robbery. His brother, Simon Madhongo, is also behind bars for his role in the same crime spree .

The brothers previously appeared separately before the Harare Magistrates Court facing charges linked to a series of attacks in Glen View, with the State alleging they targeted homes and committed sexual offences against minors. Meanwhile, the injured prison officer was attended to following the attack, and security at the Harare Magistrates Court has since been tightened as investigations into the escape attempt continue.