Online Reporter
IN what might be mistaken for a blooper reel from a Zimbabwean action film, a woman from Harare enlisted her aunt’s help and attempted — but ultimately spectacularly failed — to ensure her husband escaped from custody at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals.
The pair — Delight Nhepera (25) and her equally daring aunt Edita Kundishora (24) — are currently dealing with some pretty serious charges of attempted murder and helping someone escape from lawful custody.
They appeared before magistrate Ms Lynne Chinzou, who politely suggested they take their quest for freedom to the High Court.
Their next court date? October 6.
According to prosecutor Lancelot Mutsokoti, the hospital ward turned into a low-budget action movie studio on September 19, at 5.40 pm, when Nhepera and Kundishora hatched a grand plan to free Simbarashe Makunura — a husband, armed robbery suspect and apparent wannabe Rambo.
Makunura, sitting on his hospital bed in Ward B1, decided the best way to kick things off was by splashing water in the face of prison guard Wiseman Banda.
Yes, Wiseman.
While Banda wiped the water off his face, Nhepera snatched his SKS service rifle, loaded with 10 live rounds, and tossed it to her husband.
Kundishora, playing lookout at the door, probably thought she was starring in the movie “Fast & Furious: Harare Drift”.
But things unravelled quickly.
Banda wrestled with Makunura, who was now clutching the rifle like he had won a prize on a game show.
In his desperate bid for freedom, Makunura attempted to shoot Banda in the head but missed . . . repeatedly.
In fact, he managed to fire three shots.
Clearly, marksmanship is not part of his skill set.
Eventually, Banda summoned his inner action hero, disarmed Makunura and ended the mini-drama.
Seeing that their plan had fallen flat on its face, Nhepera and Kundishora sprinted out of the ward, probably wishing the hospital had an exit soundtrack.
The great escape did not last long, though.
The duo was later effortlessly arrested.
As for Makunura, he is probably back in custody wishing he had never attempted this ill-fated stunt.
