Armed Robbery Suspect Re-Arrested Following Dramatic Court Escape

Luke Zinyengere, an armed robbery suspect, was re-arrested after escaping from court with a firearm allegedly provided by a prison officer. He faces additional charges, including illegal possession of a firearm and carjacking. Another inmate involved in the escape was re-arrested quickly. The prison officer facilitating the escape is also in custody, raising serious concerns about prison security.

In Harare, police have successfully re-arrested Luke Zinyengere, a 29-year-old armed robbery suspect, after his escape from court the previous Friday. Details indicate that a prison officer allegedly provided him with a firearm, which he utilized to shoot at prison officers during his flight. Zinyengere’s re-arrest adds multiple charges to his offenses, including illegal possession of a firearm, unlawful escape from custody, and carjacking after he fled in a Mazda Demio outside the Harare Magistrates Court.

The circumstances surrounding his escape have led to the arraignment of Donald Madzinga, a 39-year-old prison officer, who is accused of facilitating the escape of Zinyengere and another inmate, Richard Marondera. While Marondera was apprehended in the court vicinity, Zinyengere’s potential was more expansive, as they both stand trial for two armed robbery incidents, one involving a significant heist at Quest Financial Services last year, which resulted in the theft of US$720,000.

Prosecutor Lancelot Mutsokoti revealed that Madzinga conspired with the inmates, having accepted US$700 to smuggle in a revolver provided by Zinyengere’s relative. Evidence presented in court also indicated that one Tinotenda Zinyengere delivered the firearm to Madzinga and Marondera, who managed to conceal it in their cell.

The escape plan was meticulously organized, as Madzinga reportedly coordinated communication between the inmates and the supplier of the firearm. According to Mutsokoti, during their court appearance on March 21, 2025, the inmates concealed the gun in their clothing and executed their plan afterward, overpowering their escorts and hijacking a vehicle.

As of now, Madzinga is set to appear in court for a bail hearing before magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa on Tuesday, further developments in this incident remain highly anticipated by the public and authorities alike.

The re-arrest of Luke Zinyengere highlights serious security breaches within the corrections system, particularly the alleged complicity of a prison officer in facilitating the escape of a dangerous suspect. Zinyengere now faces multiple charges, emphasizing the gravity of his offenses. The collaboration between the inmates and the prison officer raises significant concerns regarding prison security protocols and oversight.

Original Source: www.zimlive.com