A 39-year-old officer from the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS), Donald Madzinga, appeared before the Harare Regional Magistrates’ Court on Monday, facing allegations of facilitating the escape of dangerous armed robbers.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Madzinga is accused of accepting a US$700 bribe in exchange for helping inmates break free from custody.
Prosecutors allege that he used his mobile phone to coordinate the escape and even supplied a revolver to assist the inmates.
Reports indicate that the prisoners managed to flee from the Harare Magistrates’ Court, with one reportedly hijacking a vehicle at gunpoint.
Witnesses claim they saw Madzinga handing over the firearm, and authorities later arrested him wearing a jacket that belonged to one of the escapees.
Due to the severity of the charges, bail was denied, with the court citing concerns that Madzinga might abscond, interfere with witnesses, some of whom are fellow inmates, or commit further offences.
Additionally, national security concerns were raised, as Madzinga’s wife is based in the UK, increasing the likelihood that he could flee the country.
Police also confirmed that one of the escapees, along with the firearm used in the breakout, remains at large.
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