On Monday, police re-arrested Luke Zinyengere, a suspect in an armed robbery case, who made a dramatic escape from court last Friday after a prison officer allegedly provided him with a gun.
Zinyengere, 29, used the firearm to shoot at prison officers during his escape. According to law enforcement sources, he was re-arrested in Harare.
In addition to the robbery charge, Zinyengere now faces charges of illegal firearm possession, escaping from custody, and carjacking after he stole a Mazda Demio outside the Harare Magistrates Court.
Zinyengere’s re-arrest occurred shortly after prison officer Donald Madzinga, 39, appeared in court, charged with aiding the escape of two inmates. The second escapee, Richard Marondera, was apprehended within the court premises shortly after the escape.
Zinyengere and Marondera are on trial for two armed robbery cases, including a raid at Quest Financial Services in Harare last February, in which they stole US$720,000.
The court was told that Madzinga received a revolver from Zinyengere’s relative to help facilitate the escape. Prosecutor Lancelot Mutsokoti stated, “Madzinga conspired with the inmates and agreed to bring a revolver to assist in their escape, charging them US$700.”
The revolver was reportedly delivered to Madzinga and Marondera by one Tinotenda Zinyengere, who kept it hidden in their cell. Madzinga is also accused of using his phone to communicate with Zinyengere’s relative about the escape plan.
According to Mutsokoti, “On March 21, 2025, when the inmates were set to appear in court, they concealed the firearm in their pants. At the end of the court day, they followed through with their plan, escaping custody while being escorted to a prison truck that was to take them back to Harare Remand Prison.”
Zinyengere reportedly used the gun to scatter prison officers before engaging in a shootout and escaping by hijacking a vehicle.
Madzinga will return to court on Tuesday for a bail hearing before magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa.
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