Prison Officer Nabbed for Aiding Armed Robbers’ Daring Escape
A Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) officer has been arrested for allegedly orchestrating the dramatic escape of dangerous armed robbers from Harare Magistrates’ Court.
Donald Madzinga, 39, is accused of accepting a $700 bribe to smuggle a firearm into custody and using his phone to coordinate the high-stakes breakout.
One of the fugitives hijacked a vehicle at gunpoint during the escape, leaving law enforcement scrambling to contain the chaos.
Eyewitnesses claim Madzinga was seen handing over the weapon moments before the jailbreak.
When authorities caught up with him, he was reportedly wearing a jacket belonging to one of the escapees, further damning evidence of his alleged betrayal.
The court denied his bail application, citing national security concerns, the risk of witness interference (some of whom are fellow inmates), and the likelihood of further offences. His wife’s UK residency also raised fears that he could flee the country.
One escapee and the firearm used in the daring heist remain unaccounted for.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) condemned the act in a strongly worded statement:
“This brazen abuse of power not only undermines the justice system but poses a grave threat to public safety.
“We will ensure that all those involved in aiding and abetting criminals face the full wrath of the law.”
With authorities in hot pursuit of the remaining fugitive, Zimbabweans are left questioning just how deep the rot runs within the very institutions meant to uphold law and order.
