Serial rapist pastor denied bail

Jailed serial rapist Robert Martin Gumbura's bid for freedom has hit a snag after Regional Magistrate Hosiah Mujaya dismissed his bail application pending appeal.

Gumbura's latest bid for freedom has again been thwarted after his bail pending appeal application was thrown out by the presiding magistrate.

In his brief ruling, Regional Magistrate Mujaya said it is not within his jurisdiction to grant a bail on third schedule offences.

Mr Mujaya said he stands by his decision and advised the convict's lawyer to approach the High Court to pursue their application.

Analysts believe that Gumbura's latest application was a matter of procedure since the chances of success where slim given the gravity of the offence he has been convicted and the 40 year jail term he is serving.

The state represented by the Area Prosecutor Mr Jonathan Murombedzi had opposed the bail pending appeal saying admitting Gumbura to bail would be a mockery and citizens will lose confidence in the justice delivery system.

This is not the first time that Gumbura has applied for bail.

He was initially granted bail which was later revoked after the Office of the Prosecutor General filed an urgent High Court application seeking the revocation of the bail.