Escaped Robbery Suspect Re-Arrested, Prison Officer Accused of Assisting Escape
Escaped Robbery Suspect Re-Arrested, Prison Officer Accused of Assisting Escape – A robbery suspect who made a daring escape from the Harare Magistrates Court last Friday has been re-arrested.
Luke Zinyengere, 29, was apprehended in Harare on Monday after eluding authorities with the help of a smuggled firearm.
Zinyengere and fellow inmate Richard Marondera were facing trial for two armed robbery cases, including a heist at Quest Financial Services in February 2024, where they stole US$720,000.
Their escape was allegedly facilitated by prison officer Donald Madzinga, 39, who was paid US$700 to assist in the plot.
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According to ZimLive, investigations revealed that a relative, Tinotenda Zinyengere, provided Madzinga with a revolver, which he smuggled into the prison.
The firearm was hidden in the inmates’ cell until the escape plan was executed on March 21, 2025.
During their court appearance, Zinyengere and Marondera concealed the gun in their pants.
As they were being escorted back to a prison truck, Zinyengere pulled out the firearm and fired at prison officers, causing chaos.
He then hijacked a Mazda Demio outside the courthouse and fled.
Marondera, however, was quickly re-arrested within the court premises.
Following his recapture, Zinyengere now faces additional charges, including illegal possession of a firearm, unlawful escape from custody, and carjacking.
Meanwhile, Madzinga appeared in court on Monday for facilitating the escape and is scheduled for a bail hearing before magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa on Tuesday.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident, with more arrests likely as they probe those involved in the elaborate escape plan.
