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Fungai Lupande Court Reporter
A suspected robber yesterday escaped from police custody at the Harare Magistrates’ Courts while police officers were busy processing his docket.
Delight Mandara (25) arrived at the court around 10:15am in the company of police officers and escaped almost one hour later just before he appeared in court.
He allegedly told his co-accused that he was going to meet his sister outside before disappearing.
Constable Patrick Mudzungure told the court that Mandara was in the company of another police officer while he was at the clerk of court’s office processing his documents.
“The accused fled after I left him sitting at the bench and one of the officers was on guard,” he said.
“He was not handcuffed. Mandara indicated to his co-accused that he wanted to see his sister outside the court premises, but did not seek permission to do so.
Harare magistrate Mr Donald Ndirowei ordered Mandara’s name to be struck off the State outline which included Rameck Kanyakunda (38) and Delight Potera, all charged for plain robbery.
Prosecutor Ms Sharon Mashavira alleged that on Sunday, the three were driving a commuter omnibus (registration number ACQ 0021) and picked up a woman at the entrance to the National Sports Stadium along Bulawayo Road.
It is alleged that the woman was going to Dzivaresekwa Extension, but they drove towards Golden Quarry Road where they threatened her, demanding cash and valuables.
They managed to steal US$187 and shoved the woman out of the vehicle before speeding off, but were arrested after a tip-off, the court heard.
Online Reporter