Several Chikurubi inmates nursing life-threatening injuries

Several inmates at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison are nursing life-threatening injuries sustained during food riots that rocked the correctional facility two weeks ago, it has emerged.

Five inmates were shot and killed during the standoff, according to officials, but sources insist at least 10 prisoners died.

Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Wednesday told Parliament that jailed RMG Independent End Time Message founder Robert Martin Gumbura - who is serving 40 years for rape — was one the masterminds of the riots.

Prison sources said a number of injured prisoners were receiving treatment at the prison clinic.

There were reports that the masterminds of the prison meleé convinced some of the inmates that guns being carried by prison guards were not loaded.

Asked if it was true that Gumbura was behind the riots, his lawyer Tapson Dzvetero said he would meet his client early this week for instructions.