Court Proceedings Paused As Escapees Display Signs Of Mental Illness
HARARE – Chaos erupted in Harare courts on Thursday as two prison escapees, Tafadzwa Marondera and Luke Zinyengere, exhibited signs of mental distress during their trials, disrupting proceedings and prompting adjournments.
Both appeared before separate magistrates, displaying erratic behavior that baffled the courtrooms.
Marondera, appearing before Magistrate Fadzai Mthombeni, interrupted proceedings by standing up, turning his back on the magistrate and claiming he was seeing three people commanding him to sit down.
He requested to have his case moved to the High Court, leading to the adjournment of his trial until April 8.
Similarly, Zinyengere, accused of robbing Quest Finance of US$800,000, failed to respond when charges were read during his trial before Magistrate Jesse Kufa.
He was back in court today on charges of escaping custody, in addition to armed robbery allegations.
ZimLive.com revealed details of the March 21 prison break involving Marondera and Zinyengere, who allegedly conspired with prison officer Donald Madzinga.
The escape plan reportedly included smuggling a revolver into Harare Remand Prison, concealed in a bowl of rice by Zinyengere’s brother, Tinotenda.
The weapon was used to threaten officers at the Harare Magistrates’ Court, enabling the escapees to scale the palisade fencing and flee the premises.
Shots were exchanged during the dramatic chase, resulting in Marondera’s capture after being tripped by a prison officer.
Zinyengere evaded capture, reportedly robbing a motorist, Tinashe Chiyamuro, of his vehicle and fleeing before abandoning the car near Kopje.
He was later arrested in Ruwa after police received a tip-off.
Meanwhile, Madzinga, accused of facilitating the escape, was denied bail earlier this week by Magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa.
