adminFreedom Mupanedemo Midlands Bureau
The three hardcore criminals who beat up prison warders and jumped off a moving prison truck while in transit to Bulawayo were serving a combined 126 years in jail, the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) has said.
Timothy Munhare (37), Bonface Utete (39) and the late Nyashadzashe Hove (35) — who died on the spot after jumping off the moving truck near Lalapansi along the Mvuma-Gweru Highway — were convicted of armed robbery and car hijacking at the Bulawayo High Court.
They were on their way to Bulawayo from Chikurubi to face further charges.
ZPCS Midlands provincial public relations officer Chief Correctional Officer Jere Ruzive said Hove, who jumped to his death, was due to be released in 2069.
“The three were on their way to Bulawayo where they were set to appear before the High Court on further charges,” he said in response to questions. “They were due to make a stopover at WhaWha Prison before proceeding.
“Munhare, who is on the run after he managed to escape, was supposed to be released on December 30, 2054 after he was convicted of robbery and carjacking. His colleague and now deceased, Hove was supposed to serve up to 2069 after being convicted of the same charges.”
Chief Correctional Officer Ruzive said Utete, who was injured during the incident and was admitted in hospital, would be released in 2056 after being convicted of armed robbery and possession a firearm.
“There was a fourth prisoner in the same truck, Parson Mazhanje, who did not attempt to escape,” he said.
Online Reporter