Armed Robbery Suspect Re-Arrested Following Dramatic Court Escape in Harare

Luke Zinyengere, an armed robbery suspect, was re-arrested in Harare after escaping custody with the help of a prison officer who provided a firearm. He now faces additional charges including illegal possession of a firearm, unlawful escape, and carjacking. The prison officer, Donald Madzinga, has been charged for conniving with Zinyengere and another inmate in this escapade.

On a recent Monday, law enforcement officials in Harare successfully re-arrested Luke Zinyengere, a 29-year-old suspect involved in armed robbery, after he dramatically escaped from court the previous Friday. His escape was facilitated by a prison officer who allegedly provided him with a firearm, which he used to shoot at prison officers during his flight.

In addition to the original robbery charge, Zinyengere is now facing several more serious charges, including illegal possession of a firearm, unlawful escape from custody, and carjacking. Following his court escape, he had driven off in a Mazda Demio from outside the Harare Magistrates Court.

The escape had far-reaching implications as Donald Madzinga, a 39-year-old prison officer, was subsequently brought before the court, accused of aiding Zinyengere and another inmate, Richard Marondera, in fleeing custody. Marondera was apprehended soon after within the court premises.

Both Zinyengere and Marondera are on trial for multiple armed robbery offenses, including a significant heist at Quest Financial Services last February that netted them US$720,000. The prosecutor revealed that Madzinga had conspired to facilitate their escape by accepting a revolver from Zinyengere’s relative in exchange for US$700.

The prosecutor detailed that the revolver was delivered to Madzinga and Marondera, who reportedly concealed it within their cell. Communication for the escape plan was conducted via Madzinga’s phone, enabling coordination between the conspirators about logistics.

On the day of the escape, March 21, 2025, both inmates concealed the firearm in their pants. As they were being escorted back to the prison, Zinyengere brandished the firearm, causing chaos among the prison officers and enabling his escape by hijacking a vehicle. Madzinga is scheduled to return to court for a bail hearing before magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa.

The incident reveals serious security lapses within the prison system, as an officer allegedly conspired with inmates to facilitate their escape using a firearm. This has resulted in Zinyengere facing multiple charges on top of his robbery conviction and highlights the complexity surrounding inmate management and safety. Furthermore, it underscores the ongoing challenges within the legal system regarding prison officer accountability and inmate security.

Original Source: www.zimlive.com