JAILED rapist cleric Robert Martin Gumbura and eight other Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison inmates suspected of organising the fatal food riots that occurred at the correctional centre last month, yesterday notified a Harare magistrate of their intention to make an application to have their matter referred to the Constitutional Court.
BY PHILLIP CHIDAVAENZI
Gumbura and notorious armed robbers Lucky Matambanadzo (39) and Lucky Mhungu (38) as well as Blessing Chauke (25), Taurai Dodzo (47), Thomas Chacha (37), Thulani Chizema (32), Jacob Sibanda (28) and Elijah Vhumbunu (38) were further remanded in custody to May 11 when they appeared before magistrate Tendai Mahwe.
The nine, who are being represented by Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, are facing charges of attempting to escape from lawful custody, malicious damage to property and negligence.
Prosecutor Michael Reza alleges that in February this year, Gumbura incited inmates in B Cell, urging them to revolt against prison authorities for feeding them on a poor diet.
It is further alleged that after the address, the prisoners spent the night singing in protest against the authorities. On March 13, Matambanadzo, Mhungu and their alleged accomplices are said to have addressed inmates in C and D cells, influencing them to join the protests.
The following day, the court heard that the prisoners ran amok, scaling the walls, breaking asbestos sheets, windows and water pipes and other prison infrastructure. Prison officers then opened fire on the riotous prisoners which resulted in the death of five of the inmates, while several guards were left injured in the skirmishes.
