A Harare couple appeared in court facing charges of assisting a prisoner to escape from lawful custody after they allegedly aided an inmate’s getaway from the Harare Magistrates Court.
Spelile Zinyengere (26) and Obey Tinashe Rwaendepi (28), both residing at 36 Edward Road, Braeside, were arrested in the early hours of March 25, 2025, and charged with being accessories to escaping from lawful custody under Section 206 as read with Section 185 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23].
According to court documents, on March 21 at around 7 PM, the duo assisted Luke Zinyengere who had escaped from lawful custody at the Harare Magistrates Court by transporting him from Athlone Road in Ruwa to Mutare using their white Toyota Vitz (registration number ADJ 4745).
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Investigators later established evidence of communication between the accused and the fugitive following his escape.
Detectives from CID Homicide Harare received information on March 24 about the pair’s alleged involvement, leading to their subsequent arrest.
The prosecution had initially opposed bail, citing the risk of absconding, possible interference with witnesses, and the pending recovery of the firearm used in the escape. However, the couple was released yesterday on USD 200 bail each.
They were represented by Makiya and Partners Legal Practitioners.
