8 yrs for escaped prisoners

TWO final year inmates who escaped from Khami Prison where they were each serving nine year jail terms, have been slapped with another eight years in prison.

Bigboy Chauke and Calisto Dube appeared before Western Commonage magistrate Maphios Moyo and were found guilty of escaping from prison and robbery.

The pair escaped last month and were captured a day later on 5 March at the Bulawayo Railway Station, where they wanted to board a train Chikwalakwala.

Chauke had been imprisoned for robbery and Dube was jailed for illegal possession of a firearm, when they escaped.
They told the court at their initial appearance last week that a prison officer, Boswel Mangwiro set them free on condition that they steal irrigation pipes for him.

Mangwiro was cleared of wrongdoing after the court decided, based on available evidence that the pair was lying.

Prosecuting Kingstone Mkanganwi said the court in passing sentence should consider that the duo wasted the court's time and state resources.

"The duo attempted to tarnish the image of prison officer Boswel Mangwiro by implicating that he assisted them to escape. The court should also take in consideration that the Zimbabwe Prison Services is a reputable organisation whose image should not be tarnished by criminals who have taken robbery to be their dishonourable profession," he said.

In cross examination Oliver Ncube who was robbed of his clothes and left naked by the pair soon after their escape, said Dube would have struck him with an axe if his co-accused had not stopped him.

"Dube wanted to strike me with an axe on that day. If his friend had not stopped him I could have died. I am glad they stripped me naked and left me alive," said Ncube.

In mitigation Chauke and Dube denied escaping from prison saying Mangwiro told them to leave.

The two were found guilty on both charges and wereeach sentenced to another eight years in prison.

Two years from both sentences were suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour.