Police on Monday re-arrested an armed robbery suspect who had escaped from court last Friday.
Luke Zinyengere, 29, was allegedly given a firearm by a prison officer, which he used to shoot at prison officers and hijack a vehicle during his escape. He was later re-arrested in Harare.
In addition to the robbery charge, Zinyengere now faces charges of illegal possession of a firearm, unlawful escape from custody, and carjacking after he drove off in a Mazda Demio outside the Harare Magistrates Court.
Zinyengere’s re-arrest followed the arraignment of prison officer Donald Madzinga, 39, who is accused of facilitating the escape of two prisoners.
The second inmate, Richard Marondera, did not get far and was re-arrested within the court precinct.
Zinyengere and Marondera are on trial for two armed robbery cases, including a raid at Quest Financial Services in Harare in February 2024, during which they reportedly stole US$720,000.
The court heard that Madzinga was allegedly given a revolver by a relative of Zinyengere to aid in his escape. Said prosecutor Lancelot Mutsokoti:
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Contrary to his duties, Madzinga conspired with the said inmates and agreed that they bring in a revolver to facilitate their escape and charged them US$700.
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It is alleged that Tinotenda Zinyengere provided the revolver to Donald Madzinga who then gave it to Luke Zinyengere and Richard Marondera, who reportedly kept it in their cell.
Madzinga is said to have used his phone to facilitate communication between Zinyengere and the two inmates, coordinating the details of their escape plan. Said Mutsokoti:
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On March 21, 2025, when both inmates were to appear in court 12 at the Harare Magistrates Court, as per their plan, they took with them the firearm after concealing it in their pants.
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At the close of court proceedings, the inmates, in accordance with their plan, escaped from lawful custody while being escorted to a prison truck that was to transport them back to Harare Remand Prison.
Zinyengere reportedly used the firearm to disperse prison officers during an exchange of gunfire, before fleeing the scene by hijacking a vehicle.
Madzinga is scheduled to return to court on Tuesday for a bail hearing before Magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa.
More: <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/robbery-suspect-who-escaped-custody-in-court-re-arrested/">ZimLive</a>

Pindula News

A man named Luke escaped from court after an armed robbery, but was caught again. The man got a gun from a prison officer and used it to escape. He was caught in Harare. Another inmate who tried to escape was caught too. Both men are on trial for robbery cases. The prison officer who helped them escape is also in trouble. The man got the gun from his relative. The officer used his phone to help the men plan their escape. The officer will go back to court for a bail hearing.

Armed Robbery Suspect Who Escaped From Court Re-Arrested

A 39-year-old Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) officer, Donald Madzinga, appeared before the Harare Regional Magistrates’ Court on Monday, for allegedly aiding the escape of dangerous armed robbers.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Madzinga is accused of accepting a US$700 bribe to help inmates escape from custody.
Madzinga allegedly used his phone to coordinate the plan and provided a revolver to facilitate the inmates’ escape. Said the NPA:
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The inmates escaped from Harare Magistrates’ Court, with one hijacking a vehicle at gunpoint. Witnesses reportedly saw Madzinga handing over the firearm, and he was arrested wearing the jacket of one of the escapees.
Bail has been denied due to the seriousness of the crime, the risk of him fleeing, the potential to interfere with witnesses (some of whom are inmates), and the danger of further offences.
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The Magistrates’ Court also raised national security concerns, noting that Madzinga’s wife resides in the UK, which makes him a potential flight risk. Moreover, one escapee and the firearm used in the escape remain at large.

A prison guard named Donald Madzinga in Zimbabwe helped armed robbers to escape from jail for $700. He used his phone to coordinate the plan and gave a gun to the inmates. The robbers escaped from court, and Madzinga was seen giving the gun to them. He was arrested wearing one of the escapee's jackets. Madzinga's bail was denied because the crime was serious, and he might run away or harm witnesses. There are also concerns about national security because his wife lives in the UK, which could make him flee the country. One of the robbers and the gun used in the escape are still missing.

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