News / National
'Khami Prison a deathtrap'
25 Aug 2014 at 08:33hrs | Views
A doctor at Khami Maximum Prison in Bulawayo on Thursday told the court that the prison hospital is unable to provide medication and transport for an inmate suffering from a severe heart condition.
Taurai Rugara was testifying during the trial of Zenzo Sibanda (44) before Magistrate Mark Dzira at the Bulawayo Regional Court.
Earlier this month, Sibanda, who is facing 15 counts of fraudulently selling houses and stands around Bulawayo, claimed that inmates were dying due to lack of medication and poor diet, adding that he had sourced his medication and food for the past two years.
Sibanda, a former director of DZ Construction housed at Ramjis Complex in the city, told the court that he has been incarcerated for nearly three years.
Testifying in court, Rugara confirmed that Sibanda has been providing his own medication.
"He has a heart condition. The chances of a heart failure are high, if it happens to deteriorate it would be fatal," said the doctor.
"He needs some medication which we don't normally stock in prison. He usually buys his medication. He is supposed to be taken to Mpilo Hospital to see specialist doctors, however, we have been unable to do that because of transport challenges."
While Sibanda made an application before the court that he is not fit for trial as he has failed to access food and medication in prison, Rugara said it was difficult for him to confirm.
"It would be difficult on my part to conclude that he is able to stand trial because we are not providing him with the medication he requires."
The gallery was cleared for the doctor to give the court an in-depth explanation of Sibanda's condition in camera.
During his application earlier this month, Sibanda claimed he was not fit for trial because he was failing to access food and medication in prison.
He queried why the state was depriving him of his basic human rights, alleging that the constitution does not protect prisoners.
The matter continues on September 4, 2014.
Taurai Rugara was testifying during the trial of Zenzo Sibanda (44) before Magistrate Mark Dzira at the Bulawayo Regional Court.
Earlier this month, Sibanda, who is facing 15 counts of fraudulently selling houses and stands around Bulawayo, claimed that inmates were dying due to lack of medication and poor diet, adding that he had sourced his medication and food for the past two years.
Sibanda, a former director of DZ Construction housed at Ramjis Complex in the city, told the court that he has been incarcerated for nearly three years.
Testifying in court, Rugara confirmed that Sibanda has been providing his own medication.
"He has a heart condition. The chances of a heart failure are high, if it happens to deteriorate it would be fatal," said the doctor.
"He needs some medication which we don't normally stock in prison. He usually buys his medication. He is supposed to be taken to Mpilo Hospital to see specialist doctors, however, we have been unable to do that because of transport challenges."
While Sibanda made an application before the court that he is not fit for trial as he has failed to access food and medication in prison, Rugara said it was difficult for him to confirm.
"It would be difficult on my part to conclude that he is able to stand trial because we are not providing him with the medication he requires."
The gallery was cleared for the doctor to give the court an in-depth explanation of Sibanda's condition in camera.
During his application earlier this month, Sibanda claimed he was not fit for trial because he was failing to access food and medication in prison.
He queried why the state was depriving him of his basic human rights, alleging that the constitution does not protect prisoners.
The matter continues on September 4, 2014.
Source - Zim Mail
