Online Reporter
Danisa Masuku
A SENIOR prison officer stationed at Khami Maximum Prison Complex is in serious trouble after allegedly engineering the unlawful release of a dangerous inmate serving a 62-year sentence for six armed robberies.
Chamunorwa Matshalaga, a Principal Correctional Officer with the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS), appeared before Bulawayo Regional Magistrate Mark Dzira on Friday facing a charge of criminal abuse of office.
The court heard that sometime in 2024, Matshalaga, who handled inmate records and administration, conspired with yet-to-be-arrested accomplices to set free convicted armed robber Charles Nyarondo.
Prosecutor Siphiwe Mhlanga said Matshalaga used his position on the amnesty selection panel to sneak Nyarondo’s name onto the list of inmates eligible for release under the Proposed General Amnesty 2024: Clemency Order No. 1 of 2024.
“The accused unlawfully included the inmate, who was not eligible, by misclassifying him under the ‘aged 60’ provision, despite the Gazette clearly excluding those convicted of serious crimes such as armed robbery,” said Mhlanga.
Nyarondo, who committed six armed robberies between 2023 and 2024, walked free after the fraudulent paperwork went through.
The State opposed bail, arguing that Matshalaga was a flight risk and could interfere with witnesses.
“Criminal abuse of office is a serious offence that erodes public trust in the ZPCS and the rule of law,” argued Mhlanga.
Matshalaga will remain behind bars until 2 October when his bail application will be heard.
