Convicted cleric Robert Martin Gumbura together with his co -accused have appeared before a Harare Magistrate in a matter in which they are facing charges of attempting to escape from lawful custody but the matter failed to proceed as the record was said to be unavailable.
The matter was postponed to July 2 for continuation of trial.
The gang appeared before regional Magistrate Francis Mapfumo facing charges of attempting to escape from lawful custody, incitement in aggravating circumstances or alternatively conspiracy in aggravating circumstances for malicious damage to property.
The State led by prosecutor Michael Reza alleged that on February 13, 2015 at around 9am, the inmates refused to eat porridge which they claimed to have no sugar. They demanded to see the officer-in-charge, a Chief Superintendent Marange, who then sent his deputy, to address them.
At that time, the inmates pushed out of the food containers which had been brought for lunch, refusing to be addressed by junior official.
Gumbura left the complex’s C Hall and went to D Hall, where he ordered food to be brought in and served to those who wanted to eat.
The court heard that before the food was served, Titus Mandikodza, who is now late, went on top of the roof through a hole in the asbestos sheets, which they had already drilled.
At that moment, it is alleged, Vhumbunu and Sibanda took sadza and vegetable relish and threw it at the deputy superintendent Dumbura and that is when violence erupted with prisoners vandalising property worth over $450 000.
The matter was postponed to July 2 for continuation of trial.
