Gumbura, 8 others protest against prison conditions

Jailed RMG Independent End Time Message leader Robert Martin Gumbura, who is serving an 40-year effective jail term for rape, yesterday filed a complaint protesting his placement in solitary confinement.

Gumbura alongside eight other inmates accused of masterminding a failed jailbreak from Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison accuse prison authorities of violating their basic human rights after they were placed in solitary confinement two months ago.

Through lawyer Sharon Hofisi, Gumbura said his confinement at the "notorious FB1" prison cells had dehumanized him.

Hofisi said they wish to bring to the court's attention the fact that they are now in solitary confinement of which they were moved to FB1 cells all on various dates and because of that they are currently being denied access to sanitary material.

The lawyer said the sanitary material included toothbrushes, soap and toilet paper. He said his clients were not being permitted to wear shoes, slippers or any other footwear.

Hofisi said they were only allowed access to natural light for 15 minutes each day. He said although a court order for his clients to get blankets and not be assaulted had been respected, the new conditions had introduced a harsh tone to their prison life