The officer in charge of Mutimurphu Prison and two of his assistants have appeared in court on charges of obstruction of justice after they failed to report a case of assault on an inmate to the police.
Francis Makonese (45) and his deputies Venjay Fombi (48) and Solomon Matafier (49) are accused of failing to report to police the case of Shakmore Mandanda (38) who was allegedly assaulted by fellow prisoners including Godfrey Mugabe sometime in September 2022 .
Mandanda told the court that he was only able to reach the police and submit his report after he was released from prison on March 31, 2023.
Makonis and his colleagues pleaded not guilty and were acquitted by Judge Isaac Chikura. Nixon Chamisa represents the state.
The three defendants told the court that they were never informed of the case and therefore were not aware of it.
The Mirror understands Mandanda wants the state to appeal against the result. Masvingo mirror
