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.

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