The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed the arrest of 29-year-old Luke Zinyengere, a suspect implicated in armed robbery, unlawful possession of a firearm, and an alleged escape from lawful custody.
In a statement, ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi revealed that Zinyengere’s relatives were also taken into custody.
Tatenda Zinyengere (19), Kelvin Chinganga (31), Siphelile Zinyengere, and Obey Rwaendepi (28) face charges of aiding Luke escape from court premises and subsequently harbouring him following the escape. Added Nyathi:
<blockquote>
Preliminary investigations by the Police revealed that Luke Zinyengere’s young brother, Tatenda Zinyengere, allegedly provided the revolver pistol, which was used to escape from custody and rob Tinashe Chiyamuro of his Mazda Demio vehicle.
After the robbery, Luke Zinyengere allegedly abandoned the vehicle along Kaguvi Street in Harare and then joined the other suspects, who attempted to facilitate his escape to a neighbouring country.
</blockquote>
Nyathi warned the public against harbouring criminals, thereby defeating or obstructing the course of justice in the country.

Pindula News

Luke Zinyengere, a 29-year-old armed robber, has been caught by the police in Zimbabwe. His family members were also arrested for helping him escape and hide. The police found out that Luke's brother gave him a gun to escape and rob someone. Luke then left the stolen car in the city and tried to run away to another country. The police said it's wrong to help criminals because it stops justice. Criminals like Luke should be caught and punished for what they did.

Fugitive Armed Robber Luke Zinyengere Captured, Family Members Arrested

A 39-year-old Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) officer, Donald Madzinga, appeared before the Harare Regional Magistrates’ Court on Monday, for allegedly aiding the escape of dangerous armed robbers.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Madzinga is accused of accepting a US$700 bribe to help inmates escape from custody.
Madzinga allegedly used his phone to coordinate the plan and provided a revolver to facilitate the inmates’ escape. Said the NPA:
<blockquote>
The inmates escaped from Harare Magistrates’ Court, with one hijacking a vehicle at gunpoint. Witnesses reportedly saw Madzinga handing over the firearm, and he was arrested wearing the jacket of one of the escapees.
Bail has been denied due to the seriousness of the crime, the risk of him fleeing, the potential to interfere with witnesses (some of whom are inmates), and the danger of further offences.
</blockquote>
The Magistrates’ Court also raised national security concerns, noting that Madzinga’s wife resides in the UK, which makes him a potential flight risk. Moreover, one escapee and the firearm used in the escape remain at large.

A prison guard named Donald Madzinga in Zimbabwe helped armed robbers to escape from jail for $700. He used his phone to coordinate the plan and gave a gun to the inmates. The robbers escaped from court, and Madzinga was seen giving the gun to them. He was arrested wearing one of the escapee's jackets. Madzinga's bail was denied because the crime was serious, and he might run away or harm witnesses. There are also concerns about national security because his wife lives in the UK, which could make him flee the country. One of the robbers and the gun used in the escape are still missing.

"Prison Guard Received US$700 To Help Armed Robbers Escape"

Donald Madzinga, a Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) officer has been arrested for allegedly providing a gun to an inmate, Luke Zinyengere, who used it to escape from custody on March 21.
Zinyengere, 29, later engaged in a shootout with prison officers at the Harare Magistrates Court before hijacking a Mazda Demio to flee the scene.
Madzinga is set to appear in court on Monday, facing charges of assisting an inmate to escape from lawful custody.
Zinyengere had been awaiting sentencing for his involvement in an armed robbery at Quest Financial Services in Harare on February 25, 2024, where over US$700,000 was stolen.
He was among several suspects arrested in connection with the robbery, including two security guards who were sentenced to 48 months in prison for picking up cash dropped by the robbers and failing to report it as evidence.
More: <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/prison-officer-is-arrested-for-slipping-gun-to-inmate-who-shot-his-way-to-freedom-at-harare-court/">ZimLive</a>

A prison guard named Donald gave a gun to an inmate named Luke, who escaped and caused chaos. Luke got into a fight with other guards, then stole a car. Donald got arrested for helping Luke escape. Luke was waiting for a verdict because he was part of a robbery where lots of money was stolen. Other people involved in the robbery were also caught. Luke and Donald are in trouble with the law now. The whole incident happened in Zimbabwe.

Prison Guard Arrested For Slipping Gun To Inmate Before Shootout And Carjacking

Two inmates escaped from Mutimurefu Prison in Masvingo on Wednesday and subsequently crashed a Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) vehicle that they had stolen.
In a statement, ZPCS spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Meya Khanyezi revealed that Feliciano Simango (also known as Fidelis Jorum Mauyangwe) was serving a three-year sentence for theft, while Never Matoma was serving 47 months for unlawful entry and theft.
The escapees reportedly took advantage of a supervised work assignment outside the prison facility. During this time, they unlawfully gained access to a ZPCS vehicle. 
However, they crashed the vehicle approximately 2.5 km from the site, rendering it inoperable. They then fled on foot.
Asst Comm Khanyezi confirmed that the incident is under investigation and added that security measures have been strengthened to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
She urged the public to remain vigilant and report any sightings or information that could assist in locating the escapees to the nearest police station or correctional facility.
More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/two-inmates-escape-from-prison-2/">The Herald</a>

Two inmates escaped from Mutimurefu Prison in Zimbabwe. One was serving time for theft and the other for unlawful entry and theft. They stole a vehicle from the prison and crashed it, then ran away. The prison is investigating and increasing security to prevent more escapes. People are asked to report any sightings of the escaped inmates to the police.

Two Inmates Escape Mutimurefu Prison

Police have launched a manhunt for two suspects who escaped custody at Chitungwiza Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.
Inspector Luckmore Chakanza, spokesperson for the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in Harare Province, confirmed the incident. He appealed to the public for any information that could lead to the suspects’ arrest. He said:
<blockquote>
On the 23rd day of January 2025 at around 1030hrs and at Chitungwiza Magistrates’ Court the two accused persons namely Mawire Tendai NR unknown aged 30 years of number 64 Dengu Street, Zengeza 1 and Alex Mubayi NR unknown of number 4 Mbira Street, Zengeza, escaped from lawful custody.
Circumstances are that on the 21st of December 2024 at 0900hrs the first accused person Tendai Mawire was detained at ZRP St Mary’s on a case of theft where he was accused of stealing a Samsung cell phone worth US$60 which is under case number: CR 479/01/25 and the second accused was detained on a case of theft where he was accused of stealing a pushing tray, blankets and a base bed worth US$145-00 under case number: CR 493/01/25.
Chakanza said on January 23, the investigating officer Cst Bhero booked the two accused persons in court. He added:
When they were at the court house the two accused persons, who were jointly handcuffed by a single pair of handcuffs on each hand, were instructed to sit on a bench whilst the officer was having the cases vetted by the prosecutors.
The accused persons took advantage of the situation and walked out of the courtroom unnoticed.
</blockquote>

Two suspects escaped from court with handcuffs on. One was accused of stealing a phone and the other of stealing items worth $145. Police are looking for the suspects. The suspects were sitting on a bench at court, and then they walked out without anyone noticing. Police are asking for help to find them.

Two Suspects Flee Chitungwiza Magistrates' Court In Handcuffs

Over 1,500 prisoners escaped from a jail in Maputo, Mozambique, during a riot that resulted in at least 33 deaths and 15 injuries, <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/12/25/jailbreak-amid-mozambique-protests-sees-1500-prisoners-escape-33-killed">reported Al Jazeera</a>.
Police General Commander Bernardino Rafael said on Wednesday that 150 escaped prisoners had been recaptured.
The incident coincides with rising civil unrest following October’s disputed elections, which have led to accusations of election rigging against the ruling FRELIMO party.
Rafael also said protests outside the prison contributed to the riot. He said:
<blockquote>
The confrontations after that resulted in 33 deaths and 15 injured in the vicinity of the jail.
</blockquote>
However, Justice Minister Helena Kida said in an interview with local broadcaster Miramar TV that the unrest originated within the prison and was unrelated to external protests. The identities of those killed and injured remain unclear.
According to a report by the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), prisoners managed to overpower guards and seize AK-47 rifles, allowing them to escape from the correctional facility.
Mozambican journalist Clemente Carlos said that the escapees likely exploited the reduced number of guards during the Christmas holiday season.
Adriano Nuvunga, director of the Center for Democracy and Human Rights in Mozambique, shared his thoughts on the situation in a post on X on Wednesday:
<blockquote>
This shocking incident raises urgent questions about the state of security and the justice system in Mozambique.
Now, more than ever, it is critical for authorities, civil society, and international partners to collaborate to ensure public safety and address the systemic challenges that led to this situation.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, violence over election results on Monday and Tuesday resulted in at least 21 deaths, including two police officers. The unrest included attacks on petrol stations, police stations, and banks.
This latest wave of violence has raised the total death toll in Mozambique to 151 since October 21, according to Plataforma Decide, an election monitoring group.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

1,500 prisoners escaped from a jail in Mozambique during a riot. 33 people died and 15 were injured in the chaos. Some prisoners were recaptured. The unrest is linked to disputed elections and accusations of election rigging. There is disagreement about the cause of the riot. The prisoners took guns and overwhelmed guards to escape. More violence erupted, resulting in 21 more deaths. The situation has raised concerns about security and justice in Mozambique. Authorities are urged to work together for public safety.

1 500 Prisoners Escape From Mozambican Jail

Two prison inmates who were serving three-year sentences for unlawful entry reportedly escaped from Gokwe Prison, taking advantage of lax security, on Saturday evening.
The escapees then robbed a shop owner at Gwehava business centre, a few kilometres from Gokwe town.
<a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200009058/2-gokwe-prisoners-escape-rob-shop-owner">NewsDay</a> reported sources saying that one of the escapees was re-arrested, while his accomplice, Decent Sibanda of Kana Mission, is still at large.
Sibanda, whose prison number is 357/21, began his three-year sentence on 1 June 2021.
He was expected to complete his sentence on 31 May 2023.
The escapees were reportedly at a prison farm near Gwehava business centre where they were looking after the prison cattle and maize.
After escaping from lawful custody, they robbed a nearby shop of some grocery goods and other valuables.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Two Inmates Escape From Gokwe Prison, Rob Shop Owner

A South African soldier and a Zimbabwean national were arrested in Musina, Limpopo Province for allegedly attacking police and helping six-armed robbery suspects awaiting trial to escape from police custody on Monday morning.
Kedibone Albert Langa (38), a member of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and Thabani Sibanda (28) from Zimbabwe appeared in a Louis Trichardt court on Tuesday.
The duo was remanded in custody to 22 March this year.
In a statement on Tuesday, Limpopo Province South African Police Services (SAPS) spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo said one of those arrested was a brother of one of the escapees. He said:
<blockquote>
The (SAPS) Team followed up on information received about the suspects and arrested a 28-year-old Zimbabwean national who is believed to be the brother of one of the escapees and a member of the South African National Defence Force aged 38.
</blockquote>
The six Zimbabweans, Forward Shumba, 26, Shingirai Nyandome, 32, Brilliant Sibanda, 26, Erick Sithole, 35, Moses Zambara, 32 and Alex Nkomo, 35, were being transported by police when their accomplices violently freed them.
Langa and Sibanda are believed to have been among the suspects who engaged in a shoot-out with SAPS officers to free the six men.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

South African Soldier Arrested For Aiding Zimbabwean Robbers Escape

Six Zimbabwean nationals escaped from police custody in South Africa on Monday morning after their alleged accomplices engaged in a shoot-out with South African police to free them.
In a statement, the South African Police Services (SAPS) said the incident occurred outside Louis Trichardt, some 120 kilometres south of Beitbridge.
SAPS identified the six as Forward Shumba, 26, Shingirai Nyandome, 32, Brilliant Sibanda, 26, Erick Sithole, 35, Moses Zambara, 32 and Alex Nkomo, 35.
All six were awaiting trial for crimes committed in South Africa and were being transported by police when their accomplices violently freed them. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
The Police in Makhado have launched a massive manhunt for a group of heavily armed suspects who attacked and shot at Police members transporting six awaiting trial prisoners and managed to free them this morning, Monday 13 March 2023.
The suspects thereafter took the six prisoners and sped off in a grey Mercedes Benz and a white Toyota Bakkie.
The incident occurred along the Vivo road next to the first Sxhoemansdal turnoff outside Louis Trichardt… All escapees are Zimbabwean nationals.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Six Zimbabwean Prisoners Escape South African Police Custody After Gun Battle

One hundred and sixteen (116) inmates escaped from prisons between January 2021 and October this year, the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) has said.
ZPCS national public relations officer, Chief Superintendent Meya Khanyezi, said most of the escapees were B-class inmates.
She said most fugitives will sneak away after asking for permission to relieve themselves when they will be outside for work duties while serving their terms at medium-security prisons.
Khanyezi also revealed that Harare Central and Chikurubi Farm prisons had high incidences of prison escapes. She said:
<blockquote>
In 2021, 64 inmates escaped from our prisons, and 52 inmates in 2022 to date, making a total of 116.
Harare Central and Chikurubi Farm prisons have a high incidence of escapes since these stations have more B-class inmates, who go out of prison to work.
Police, however, recaptured 40 escapees during the same period. After escaping, 40 inmates were recaptured — 18 in 2021 and 22 in 2022.
</blockquote>
To prevent future escapes, ZPCS is installing closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems at maximum prisons and arming its officers and increasing the number of dogs used by prison officers. | <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/116-escape-from-prison">The Sunday Mail</a>

116 Inmates Escape From Prisons

The jailed leader of the Endtime Message Church <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Robert_Martin_Gumbura" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Robert Martin Gumbura’s</a> prison break trial will continue on Friday, Harare regional magistrate Francis Mapfumo has ruled.
Gumbura’s lawyer, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Lovemore_Madhuku" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Lovemore Madhuku</a>, had applied for the trial to be postponed to enable him to file an application in the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Constitutional_Court_of_Zimbabwe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Constitutional Court</a>. In his ruling, Mapfumo said:
<blockquote>There is no order from any of the superior courts binding this court from continuing with trial and the application by the accused person is dismissed.</blockquote>
Gumbura is charged alongside Blessing Chiduke, Luckmore Matambanadzo, Lucky Mhungu, Taurai Dodzo, Thomas Chacha and Elijah Vhumbunu, who is at large.
The disgraced cleric is serving a long sentence following his conviction on multiple r_pe counts.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.dailynews.co.zw/articles/2019/12/12/no-joy-for-jailed-rapist-gumbura" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Daily News</a></h4>

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