Gumbura behind Chikurubi riots: Mnangagwa

HARARE – Acting President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is also the Minister of Justice, has claimed that jailed rapist, Pastor Robert Martin Gumbura, was behind the Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison food riots last week.

Mnangagwa was answering questions on the matter in parliament on Wednesday and claimed Gumbura led a conspiracy to break out of Chikurubi with about 100 others. The VP claimed the prisoners used poor food and living conditions as an excuse for the riots.

Prisoners at Chikurubi ran riot last Friday demanding a change of diet. About five prisoners set blankets on fire as they mobilised their colleagues to join in. Eight prisoners were admitted to hospital with severe injuries, having been shot in raging gun battles.

A source who spoke to Nehanda Radio said “1 prisoner died on Friday….2 died at Parirenyantwa on Saturday….then the other 2 died on Sunday….(one at Chikurubi and the other one at the hospital. But amongst the guards everyone is saying 10 died.”

On Sunday Zimbabwe Prison and Correctional Services spokesperson Elizabeth Banda confirmed three deaths. Dennis Aramu who was serving 29 years for breaching the firearms act, Pedzisai Nota (40) who was serving 27 years for armed robbery and Titus Mandikonza. Nota and Mandikonza died at Parirenyatwa Hospital.

Two more deaths were officially acknowledged this week bring the number to 5.