Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu
A GWANDA inmate who thought he could outsmart prison guards has been slapped with an extra four months behind bars after his daring escape ended in embarrassment.
Nkosilathi Lunga, already serving a three-year jail term for stock theft, pleaded guilty to escaping from lawful custody when he appeared before Gwanda magistrate Mr Gillian Padzakashamba.
He was sentenced to six months imprisonment, with two months suspended on condition he does not commit a similar offence in the next five years, leaving him to serve an effective four months after finishing his current stretch.
Prosecutor Ms Mercy Nyathi told the court that on 28 July, around midday, Lunga and other inmates had been assigned to collect firewood at Mapane Prison Farm. “They were left unattended and the accused person took advantage and escaped,” she said.
But his freedom was short-lived. Prison officers tracked him down and found him hiding at a place called Dry Paddock in his rural home area in Kezi. He was swiftly escorted back to Gwanda Prison.
