Man Who Escaped From Prison Slapped With A 22-Year Jail Sentence

At some point, a prison officer was accused of aiding Zinyengerere during his escape. The charges were dropped when Luke told the court that he used a toy gun smuggled by his brother.

Man who escaped from prison slapped with 22-year sentence

The court heard how Zinyengere compounded his offences by committing an armed vehicle hijacking to facilitate his escape, resulting in an additional 12-year sentence for robbery to run consecutively with his 10-year jailbreak penalty.

ALSO READ: Newlywed Mufakose Nurse Kills Brother Over Girlfriend

Magistrate Rwodzi described the meticulously planned escape as “traumatising to court staff and civilians,” noting its “cinematic execution.” The ruling highlighted how the incident endangered public safety and violated multiple laws.

“This was no childish offense – jailbreaks demand the highest penalties. The sophisticated planning shows rehabilitation is unlikely in the foreseeable future. Society requires protection from such calculated criminal behavior,” Magistrate Rwodzi declared.

Defendant’s Plea for Leniency Rejected

Zinyengere appealed for mercy during sentencing, citing his first-time offender status and family responsibilities. He claimed his motivation was checking on a cellphone business in Mozambique, admitting the stolen vehicle served as his getaway vehicle.

ALSO READ: Hello Paisa Chipinge Teller Jailed for Stealing Over US$4,7K

“I deeply regret my actions, especially the hardship inflicted on my dependents and the car owner,” the convict stated.

However, the court maintained that the severity of his crimes outweighed these mitigating factors.

The prosecution, led by Loveit Muringwa, successfully argued for maximum penalties given the premeditated nature of both offences and Zinyengere’s pending armed robbery charges.