adminaccused of failing to comply with the prison’s regulations claiming to be a political prisoner.
Matapo who is jointly charged with Ruperts Chimanga, Phillip Chivhurunge, Lucky Mhungu, Bigknows Wairesi and Sairezi Shonhiwa, on Monday appeared before regional magistrate Mr Morgen Nemadire.
Prosecutor Mr Michael Reza submitted that Matapo was refusing to be searched like other prisoners telling prison officers that he was a political prisoner.
However, Matapo denied the State’s submissions saying; “I am surprised, I am perturbed I have nothing against the so-called searching.”
He said he was making another application on his next court appearance on July 21 on the infringement of his rights.
Mhungu claimed that after their application to have their matter referred to the Supreme Court, the situation had worsened at the prison.
“Things had gone from bad to worse”.
Matapo and Mhungu applied for their case to be referred to the Supreme Court arguing that their rights were being infringed.
Their application was, however, dismissed.
The suspects through their lawyer, Mr Charles Warara, claimed their cells were once condemned and they were being ill-treated.
Matapo and Mhungu told Mr Nemadire that no natural light entered their cells.
The pair also claimed that they were denied access to information among other rights.
Mr Reza alleges that sometime in March last year the six connived with Asani Chikwanda to escape from prison.
Prison officer Donald Gwekwerere, who is currently on bail pending appeal, allegedly supplied them with the tools to use.
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 escape.
Bongani Moyo
Online Reporter