A prison official in Harare, Zimbabwe, was arrested after accusing him of providing guns to prisoners, which allowed prisoners to evade custody in amid bold acts of violence.
The 29-year-old inmate, Luke Zinyengere, was tried for a high-profile armed robbery at Quest Financial Services in February 2024, where $700,000 was stolen. On March 21, Zinyengere managed to get rid of restrictions in the Harare District Court after a violent gunfight with prison guards. He then hijacked the Mazda Demio and fled the scene.
Prison official Donald Madzinga is planning to appear in court on Monday, March 24, 2025, facing charges of assisting inmates to escape. Law enforcement sources confirmed that Madzinga was accused of providing Zinyengere with weapons used during its escape.
Zinyengere has been waiting to declare his role in the robbery, which shocked the country due to the courage of the crime and the large amount of funds involved. On February 25, 2024, a group of armed personnel, including Zinyengere, attacked the Quest Financial Services site and stole more than $700,000. Zinyengere was arrested for robbery along with several other suspects.
The robbery is one of the biggest robberies in recent history in Harare. Two security officers at Quest Financial Services were also involved in the crime because no cash discarded by the robber during his escape was reported. They were sentenced to 48 months in prison.
After a dramatic escape, authorities launched a widespread pursuit to occupy Zinyengere. Escape has attracted serious concerns about security protocols in Harare District Court and the wider prison system. Law enforcement agencies have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any sightings from Zinyengere or the hijacked Mazda Demio. The incident has sparked widespread media coverage and public outrage, with many calling for stricter security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
