Prison guard shoots self in the head in front of inmates

A PRISON guard stationed at Chikurubi Prison Farm blew his head off in front of inmates he was guarding last Tuesday.

The inmates at the correctional facility are said to have scurried for cover while screaming for help after hearing the gunshot.

The officer allegedly shot himself in the head following revelations that he was having adulterous affairs with his workmates' wives.

According to the police the guard, identified as Prison Officer 2 Runatsi shot himself after receiving a tip off that his colleagues were aware of his misdeeds.

"They were planning to approach Runatsi about the rumour circulating around camp," he said.

Zimbabwe Prison Service acting public relations officer Ms Priscilla Mthembo confirmed the incident saying the institution had launched an investigation into the matter.

"As per your inquiry I can confirm that we are dealing with a case of suspected suicide by one of our officers.

"As per procedure the case was referred to Zimbabwe Republic Police for further investigations. I therefore refer you to them for more details," said chief prison officer Mthembo.

Harare province police spokesperson Inspector James Sabau said police were still investigating the circumstances surrounding the alleged suicide.

"On January 31, around 9 am, PO2 Runatsi was on duty with his other colleagues to guard inmates working in the fields.

"PO2 Runatsi who was holding the gun, pointed it into the air before aiming it at his forehead and shot himself," he said.

Insp Sabau said Runatsi's body was taken to Parirenyatwa for a post mortem. Cases of prison officials committing suicide while on duty are rare in Zimbabwe.