In a daring escape reminiscent of previous high-profile breakouts, two armed robbery suspects managed to flee from custody at the Harare Magistrates Court on Friday.
The escape unfolded when one of the suspects allegedly smuggled a firearm into the court premises. Eyewitnesses reported that Luke Zinyengerere managed to bring a revolver into the court, which he used to threaten a Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) officer as prisoners were being escorted to a transport vehicle.
Zinyengerere then hijacked a passing car and fled the scene at high speed.
Meanwhile, the second suspect, Tafadzwa Marondera, was apprehended after attempting to escape by scaling the court’s palisade fence.
Authorities have launched a manhunt for Zinyengerere, who remains at large following his bold escape.
The suspects were previously arrested in connection with a major robbery involving the theft of US$720,000 from a financial institution.
Zinyengerere and Marondera were among six individuals charged with robbing Quest Financial Services in Belgravia, Harare, on February 25, 2024. During the heist, the group reportedly made off with US$720,676, ZAR 10,500, €120 in cash, as well as a CZ Vzor pistol and several laptops.
Their co-defendants in the robbery include Brighton Chikukwa, Silence Matambo, Washington Mangwanda, and Liberty Mukanganise.
In addition to their involvement in the bank heist, Marondera and Zinyengerere are also facing charges related to the armed robbery of an iPhone dealer.
On January 22, 2024, they, along with accomplices, ambushed Tinashe Kelvin Leon Chikove at his residence. Armed with a .22 rifle and a Mod 92 pistol, the suspects confronted Chikove and his associate, Tinotenda Gatsi, as they arrived in a vehicle.
The robbers stole multiple bags filled with iPhones, including several high-end models, and physically assaulted Chikove.
Despite being shot in the leg, Chikove was able to alert authorities, and police later recovered various ammunition at the crime scene.
The investigation into both the escape and the robberies continues as law enforcement works to track down the remaining suspect.
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