Jail break for sale as ZPCS officer takes US$700 bribe to help armed robbers escape

HARARE — A Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) officer allegedly accepted a US$700 bribe to help two suspected armed robbers escape from custody, a court heard.

Donald Madzinga, a serving officer stationed at Harare Remand Prison, appeared before Harare magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa, this afternoon, facing charges of criminal abuse of duty as a public officer. He was remanded in custody pending a bail hearing.

Prosecutors allege that in early March 2025, Madzinga conspired with inmates Tafadzwa Richard Marondera and Luke Zinyengere, who were in custody on multiple armed robbery charges, to orchestrate their escape. The plan involved smuggling a firearm into prison in exchange for US$700.

Tinotenda Zinyengere, a relative of one of the inmates, was responsible for providing the weapon. Using his mobile phone, Madzinga facilitated communication between the inmates and Tinotenda to coordinate the plot. Tinotenda managed to raise US$500, which he handed over to Madzinga as partial payment. Once in possession of the firearm, Madzinga allegedly passed it on to Luke Zinyengere, who concealed it in their cell.

The escape unfolded on March 21, 2025, when the inmates were due in Court 12 at Harare Magistrates’ Court. As per their plan, they smuggled the firearm by hiding it in their pants. At the close of business, while being escorted back into a prison truck, they made their move.

Luke Zinyengere managed to flee, using the firearm to hijack a vehicle at gunpoint and escape. His accomplice, Tafadzwa Richard Marondera, was apprehended just outside the court fence as he attempted to sprint toward Belvedere Road.

Madzinga now faces legal consequences for his alleged role in the foiled escape plan.