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

Over 1,500 prisoners escaped from a jail in Maputo, Mozambique, during a riot that resulted in at least 33 deaths and 15 injuries, <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/12/25/jailbreak-amid-mozambique-protests-sees-1500-prisoners-escape-33-killed">reported Al Jazeera</a>.
Police General Commander Bernardino Rafael said on Wednesday that 150 escaped prisoners had been recaptured.
The incident coincides with rising civil unrest following October’s disputed elections, which have led to accusations of election rigging against the ruling FRELIMO party.
Rafael also said protests outside the prison contributed to the riot. He said:
<blockquote>
The confrontations after that resulted in 33 deaths and 15 injured in the vicinity of the jail.
</blockquote>
However, Justice Minister Helena Kida said in an interview with local broadcaster Miramar TV that the unrest originated within the prison and was unrelated to external protests. The identities of those killed and injured remain unclear.
According to a report by the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), prisoners managed to overpower guards and seize AK-47 rifles, allowing them to escape from the correctional facility.
Mozambican journalist Clemente Carlos said that the escapees likely exploited the reduced number of guards during the Christmas holiday season.
Adriano Nuvunga, director of the Center for Democracy and Human Rights in Mozambique, shared his thoughts on the situation in a post on X on Wednesday:
<blockquote>
This shocking incident raises urgent questions about the state of security and the justice system in Mozambique.
Now, more than ever, it is critical for authorities, civil society, and international partners to collaborate to ensure public safety and address the systemic challenges that led to this situation.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, violence over election results on Monday and Tuesday resulted in at least 21 deaths, including two police officers. The unrest included attacks on petrol stations, police stations, and banks.
This latest wave of violence has raised the total death toll in Mozambique to 151 since October 21, according to Plataforma Decide, an election monitoring group.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

1,500 prisoners escaped from a jail in Mozambique during a riot. 33 people died and 15 were injured in the chaos. Some prisoners were recaptured. The unrest is linked to disputed elections and accusations of election rigging. There is disagreement about the cause of the riot. The prisoners took guns and overwhelmed guards to escape. More violence erupted, resulting in 21 more deaths. The situation has raised concerns about security and justice in Mozambique. Authorities are urged to work together for public safety.

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