Suspect escapes from police custody in underwear

THERE was drama when a robbery suspect, who was recently admitted to the United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) under police guard, escaped from his bed while the police officer was taking a nap and fled into the streets in his underwear.

Bulawayo magistrate, Mrs Maryleen Mutshina heard this when Oscar Dodzo (32) of no fixed abode appeared before her yesterday facing a charge of escaping from lawful custody.

Dodzo was convicted on his own plea of guilty to the charge by Mrs Mutshina and sentenced to eight months in jail, which were wholly suspended for five years on condition that he does not within that period commit a similar offence.

The court was told that on 3 October at about 3.30am, Dodzo and an accomplice, Kudakwashe Manatsa committed robbery and they were spotted by police officers who were patrolling between 6th Avenue and Lobengula Street in Bulawayo.

The two men tried to flee and in the process Dodzo fell headlong as he was attempting to jumper over a precast wall at Mckertan Primary School.

He sustained head injuries and was taken to UBH where he was admitted under police guard.

While in hospital, Dodzo later regained consciousness during which he discovered that the officer who was guarding him had fallen asleep.

He sprung out of his hospital bed, ripped off the drips that were attached to his arm and sneaked out of the ward in his underwear, the court was told.

Dodzo ran out of luck after some members of the public spotted him as he was walking in the street in his underwear.

A report was made to the police leading to Dodzo's arrest.