An inmate who escaped from Plumtree Prison in November 2025, Mike Cabangani Mathe (38), has been re-arrested after being deported from Malawi, where he had allegedly fled to evade capture.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Zimbabwe Republic Police confirmed that Mathe was arrested upon arrival at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of Mike Cabangani Mathe (38) in connection with a case of escaping from lawful custody in Plumtree,” the police said.
“Mathe, who was serving a 20-year prison sentence for rape and was also facing murder charges, escaped from Plumtree Prison on 15 November 2025 before fleeing the country. He was apprehended on 24 February 2026 following his deportation from Malawi.”
Mathe is alleged to have escaped in the early hours of 15 November 2025 after cutting through window bars with a hacksaw blade. He reportedly forced open a prison window around 2am and fled under the cover of darkness.
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At the time of his escape, Mathe was serving a 20-year sentence for rape, imposed on 29 August 2025. He was also awaiting trial at the Regional Court on charges including murder, sodomy and an additional rape count.
His escape triggered widespread fear across Plumtree, Bulilima and Mangwe, with residents expressing concern over their safety due to Mathe’s reputation for violence.
Court records detail a series of serious allegations against Mathe, including a 2024 case in which he is accused of abducting a female employee, driving her to a secluded area and repeatedly submerging her head in cold water until she lost consciousness. He allegedly later raped the woman and forced her to report to work the following morning.
In another case, Mathe is accused of abusing a minor who worked at one of his shops. He also faces allegations of handcuffing, assaulting and forcibly submerging another woman in water while standing on her back.
Authorities allege that for years Mathe operated openly in Plumtree, running businesses and intimidating victims, many of whom were reportedly afraid to report him. His arrest and conviction in 2025 marked a turning point after what police say had been a long period of impunity.
Mathe remains in custody and is expected to face additional charges relating to his escape from lawful custody.
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