adminapplications which did not have anything to do with the case in a bid to delay their trial.
Matapo, Ruperts Chimanga, Phillip Chivhurunge, Lucky Mhungu, Bigknows Wairesi and Sairezi Shonhiwa are facing charges of attempting to break out of Chikurubi before regional magistrate Mr Morgen Nemadire.
Matapo and Mhungu, through lawyer Mr Charles Warara made an application for referral of the matter to the Supreme Court arguing that their rights were being infringed.
They also made an application to visit Chikurubi Maximum Prison where they are being kept in to assess conditions there.
The inspection of Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison was done on Tuesday last week. And last Wednesday Mr Warara made yet another application to have a register showing times in which prisoners go to the exercise room and the number of prison officers who man their cells.
Mr Reza opposed the application arguing that there was no reason whatsoever for the books to be brought as the court was slowly departing from the charges they were facing.
“This is a case that is so old it has now developed a beard.
“The former defence counsel said they would continue making applications until the next elections,” he submitted.
Mr Warara however, objected to Mr Reza’s submission and Mr Nemadire allowed the objection.
The case continues on June 13.
The State alleges that sometime in March last year the six connived with Asani Chikwanda (serving) to escape from prison.
They were allegedly supplied with tools by convicted prison officer Donald Gwekwerere, who is currently on bail pending appeal.
On April 4, it is alleged, Chimanga, Mhungu, Wairesi, Chivhurunge, Shonhiwa and Matapo used a hacksaw to cut burglar bars securing the observation window to their cell.
It is alleged they smashed the window and got out but a prison officer caught them as they tried to make good their escape.
Online Reporter