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Daniel Kachere Court Correspondent
Harare magistrate Mr Francis Mapfumo yesterday postponed to today the case in which eight inmates were expected to testify against Independent End Time Message leader Robert Martin Gumbura and eight others who allegedly masterminded a foiled jailbreak at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison. Gumbura, armed robber Lucky Matambanadzo (39), Blessing Chauke (25), Lucky Mhungu (38), Taurai Dodzo (47), Thomas Chacha (37), Thulani Chizema (32), Jacob Sibanda (28) and Elijah Vhumbunu (38), are accused of masterminding the attempted jailbreak.

However, the eight failed to testify yesterday after Mr Mapfumo accepted an application of postponement by Gumbura’s lawyer Mr Tapson Dzvetero, who was committed with another case in Bindura.

Prosecutor Mr Michael Reza, did not oppose the postponement to today citing that the State would not be prejudiced in any manner if the trial is rolled over.

Gumbura and his accomplices are serving various sentences ranging from 12 to 40 years.

He is represented by Mr Ngonidzashe Mupure of Antonio and Dzvetero Legal practitioners, while Mr David Hofisi is representing the other eight.

The nine are facing charges of attempting to escape from lawful custody, malicious damage to property among other charges.

The State alleged that during the morning of February 13 in B Hall, Gumbura allegedly incited other inmates to protest over alleged infringement of their rights because of the type of food they were being given, in a bid to create chaos so that he and his accomplices could escape during the ensuing commotion.