Daring former inmate’s trial begins

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THE trial of an ex-inmate at Gwanda Prison, who allegedly broke into the prison two days after being released, began last Wednesday with the accused alleging torture and abuse at the hands of police and prison officers following his arrest.

THE trial of an ex-inmate at Gwanda Prison, who allegedly broke into the prison two days after being released, began last Wednesday with the accused alleging torture and abuse at the hands of police and prison officers following his arrest. ALBERT NCUBE OWN CORRESPONDENT

Trymore Qhubekani Moyo (26), of no fixed abode, told Gwanda magistrate Olivia Mashava Mashaire that police made him lie face-down across two tables and severely assaulted him, forcing him to admit to charges of unlawful entry and theft.

Moyo further stated that prison officers had been denying him a chance to phone his relatives.

“The police made me lie on two tables and assaulted me inducing me to admit to committing the offence,” said Moyo.

“Can you assist me with a phone as prison officials have denied me a chance to call my relatives. l want to get in touch with my uncle who is my witness.”

Mashaire instructed State prosecutor to assist Moyo contact his relatives.

Despite earlier admitting to committing the offence in his warned and cautioned statement, Moyo changed goalposts when he appeared in court denying the charges, arguing he was with his uncle in Plumtree when the offence was committed.

Moyo led police to the recovery of some of the stolen property that included a cellphone in Bulawayo, a sim card and some earphones.

Allegations against Moyo, who was released from prison on January 25, are that on January 27 at around 11pm he went to the prison complex and broke a window, cut burglar bars and gained access to the cashier’s office.

He then allegedly stole six cellphones, an okapi knife, some earphones, a fuel coupon, $19 and R185.

The trial continues today with Moyo set to call his uncle whom he claimed accompanied him to Plumtree.

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