Harare, (New Ziana) – A suspected armed robber who escaped from prison guards in movie style at the Harare magistrates is back in custody following his re-arrest on Tuesday.
The gun-toting Luke Zinyengere (29) made a dramatic escape from prison guards who were escorting him to a waiting truck after pointing a pistol at them before hijacking a car and sped off.
A prison guard, Donald Madzinga, was later arrested and appeared in court where he was denied bail on allegations of facilitating Zinyengere’s escape by providing him with the firearm.
However, in a dramatic turn of events, Zinyengere was re-arrested on Tuesday together with his four relatives accused of assisting him to escape from lawful custody as well as harbouring him knowing that he was a fugitive.
“Reference is made to the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s statement released on 22nd March 2025. The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of Luke Zinyengere (29) in connection with a case of escaping from lawful custody, armed robbery and unlawful possession of a firearm,” said national police spokesman Commissioner Paul Nyathi.
He said police also arrested the suspect’s relatives, Tatenda Zinyengere (19), Kelvin Chinganga (31), Siphelile Zinyengere and Obey Rwaendepi (28) for assisting the suspect to escape from the court premise and harbouring him after his escape.
Preliminary investigations by the police, said Commissioner Nyathi revealed that Luke Zinyengere’s young brother, Tatenda 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.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police warns the public against harbouring criminals, thereby defeating or obstructing the course of justice in the country.
Members of the public are implored to report criminal activities on National Complaints number on (0242) 703631 or WhatsApp on 0712 800107 or report at any nearest Police Station,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
New Ziana
