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Fungai Jachi Court Correspondent
A Harare magistrate yesterday dismissed a bail application by convicted Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison jailbreak suspect Lucky Mhungu (38) saying he was a menace to society.

In his ruling, Mr Francis Mapfumo said Mhungu was a convict, who is serving 23 years in jail for serious offences that included armed robbery and unlawful possession of a firearm. Releasing him on bail would endanger society.

“The applicant is currently serving an extensive jail term. He was previously convicted of attempting to escape from prison, yet he allegedly tried to commit the same offence again,” he said.

Mr Mapfumo said it was the duty of the courts to ensure that suspected criminals stand trial and Mhungu was not a proper candidate for bail as he was likely to run away if released on bail.

“It is not favourable for him to be admitted to bail under these circumstances. The applicant is a flight risk and granting him bail will give him an opportunity to flee.

“Therefore, the bail application is hereby dismissed,” he said.

Mhungu and eight other inmates are accused of masterminding a foiled prison break at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison.