The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed the arrest of 29-year-old Luke Zinyengere, a suspect implicated in armed robbery, unlawful possession of a firearm, and an alleged escape from lawful custody.
In a statement, ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi revealed that Zinyengere’s relatives were also taken into custody.
Tatenda Zinyengere (19), Kelvin Chinganga (31), Siphelile Zinyengere, and Obey Rwaendepi (28) face charges of aiding Luke escape from court premises and subsequently harbouring him following the escape. Added Nyathi:
<blockquote>
Preliminary investigations by the Police revealed that Luke Zinyengere’s young brother, Tatenda Zinyengere, allegedly provided the revolver pistol, which was used to escape from custody and rob Tinashe Chiyamuro of his Mazda Demio vehicle.
After the robbery, Luke Zinyengere allegedly abandoned the vehicle along Kaguvi Street in Harare and then joined the other suspects, who attempted to facilitate his escape to a neighbouring country.
</blockquote>
Nyathi warned the public against harbouring criminals, thereby defeating or obstructing the course of justice in the country.

Pindula News

Luke Zinyengere, a 29-year-old armed robber, has been caught by the police in Zimbabwe. His family members were also arrested for helping him escape and hide. The police found out that Luke's brother gave him a gun to escape and rob someone. Luke then left the stolen car in the city and tried to run away to another country. The police said it's wrong to help criminals because it stops justice. Criminals like Luke should be caught and punished for what they did.

Fugitive Armed Robber Luke Zinyengere Captured, Family Members Arrested

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:
<blockquote>
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.
</blockquote>
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:
<blockquote>
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.
</blockquote>
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>

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:
<blockquote>
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.
</blockquote>
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.

"Prison Guard Received US$700 To Help Armed Robbers Escape"

Donald Madzinga, a Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) officer has been arrested for allegedly providing a gun to an inmate, Luke Zinyengere, who used it to escape from custody on March 21.
Zinyengere, 29, later engaged in a shootout with prison officers at the Harare Magistrates Court before hijacking a Mazda Demio to flee the scene.
Madzinga is set to appear in court on Monday, facing charges of assisting an inmate to escape from lawful custody.
Zinyengere had been awaiting sentencing for his involvement in an armed robbery at Quest Financial Services in Harare on February 25, 2024, where over US$700,000 was stolen.
He was among several suspects arrested in connection with the robbery, including two security guards who were sentenced to 48 months in prison for picking up cash dropped by the robbers and failing to report it as evidence.
More: <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/prison-officer-is-arrested-for-slipping-gun-to-inmate-who-shot-his-way-to-freedom-at-harare-court/">ZimLive</a>

A prison guard named Donald gave a gun to an inmate named Luke, who escaped and caused chaos. Luke got into a fight with other guards, then stole a car. Donald got arrested for helping Luke escape. Luke was waiting for a verdict because he was part of a robbery where lots of money was stolen. Other people involved in the robbery were also caught. Luke and Donald are in trouble with the law now. The whole incident happened in Zimbabwe.

prison break Latest News

Latest Jobs