By Patience Gondo
A Senior Prison officer Chamunorwa Matshalaga (52), was arrested in Bulawayo on September 16, 2025 for his part in the illegal release of Charles Nyandoro serving a 62-year sentence for armed robbery at Khami Maximum Prison.
In a statement on Tuesday, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) said Matshalaga and some accomplices changed the Proposed General Amnesty 2024 list.
They added Nyandoro’s name, even though he was not eligible for release under Clemency Order Number 1 of 2024 because he was a violent offender .
But Nyandoro was released in April 2025, claiming it was due to old age clemency.
However, this release was later found to be illegal.
A warrant of committal signed by Matshalaga was found, connecting him directly to the unauthorized release.
Prison records also showed more evidence against Matshalaga. This situation has raised serious concerns about corruption in the prison system.
After his arrest, Matshalaga was denied bail.
“His case will be reviewed again on October 3, 2025, as the investigation continues,” NPAZ said in a statement.
This incident showed the dangers of corruption within prisons. It shows how such actions can threaten public safety if not controlled.