THE trial of jailed rapist cleric, Robert Martin Gumbura and eight others, on charges of inciting and masterminding an attempted jailbreak at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison early this year, starts today before Harare magistrate Francis Mapfumo.
by PAIDAMOYO MUZULU
Provincial magistrate, Vakai Douglas Chikwekwe announced the trial date yesterday, when the suspects appeared before him for routine remand.
Gumbura is jointly charged with Blessing Chiduke (25), Luckmore Matambanadzo (39), Luck Mhungu (38), Taurai Dodzo (47), Thomas Chacha (37), Thulani Chizema (32), Jacob Sibanda (28) and Elijah Vhumbunu (38).
He is represented by Tapson Dzvetero, while his co-accused are jointly represented by Sharon Hofisi of the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights.
State counsel, Michael Reza said the State was ready to commence the trial with 24 witnesses, including some prison inmates, lined up to testify.
“We will be bringing 24 witnesses in total, but today I had brought eight,” he said.
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However, Dzvetero immediately asked for the list of witnesses, as he had received two sets of State papers, which had different information on them.
“We will be bringing these 24 witnesses, some medical affidavits and six photographs during the trial,” Reza said.
Gumbura, leader of the RMG End Time Message church, is serving an effective 40-year jail term for sexually abusing some female congregants.
