HARARE – A prison officer accused of smuggling a gun into custody for an inmate’s dramatic escape appeared in court on Monday, while the fugitive, Luke Zinyengere, 29, was re-arrested in Harare after a three-day manhunt.
Authorities say Donald Madzinga, 39, was paid $700 to sneak a revolver into Harare Remand Prison, which Zinyengere used to shoot at prison officers and hijack a vehicle outside Harare Magistrates Court last Friday.
Zinyengere was on trial for armed robbery, accused of stealing $720,000 in a heist at Quest Financial Services in February 2024. He and Richard Marondera, another inmate, had planned their escape with the help of Madzinga and Tinotenda Zinyengere, a relative who delivered the weapon.
According to prosecutor Lancelot Mutsokoti, Madzinga also provided his cell phone to coordinate the escape plan. On March 21, 2025, the inmates concealed the revolver in their pants and, while being escorted back to a prison truck, Zinyengere opened fire, forcing officers to scatter. He then carjacked a Mazda Demio and fled. Marondera was captured within the court premises.
Madzinga has been charged with aiding an escape, illegal firearm possession, and conspiracy. He is set for a bail hearing on Tuesday before Magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa. Meanwhile, Zinyengere now faces additional charges of illegal possession of a firearm, unlawful escape, and carjacking.
