National Security Concerns as Prison Officer Charged in Robbery Escape

By Staff Reporter

A 39-year-old Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service officer, Donald Madzinga, has been arraigned before the Harare Regional Magistrates’ Court for allegedly aiding the escape of dangerous armed robbers.

He is accused of accepting a $700 bribe to help inmates break free from custody, using his phone to coordinate the plan and even taking a revolver to facilitate their escape.

The inmates escaped from Harare Magistrates’ Court, with one hijacking a vehicle at gunpoint. Witnesses reportedly saw Madzinga handing over the firearm, and he was arrested wearing the jacket of one of the escapees. Bail has been denied due to the seriousness of the crime, the risk of him fleeing, the potential to interfere with witnesses (some of whom are inmates), and the danger of further offences.

The court also cited national security concerns, and the fact that his wife lives in the UK which makes him a flight risk. One escapee, and the firearm used in the escape, are still at large.