Inmate beats up cellmate for refusing to share a cigarette

A MURDER suspect who is in remand at Gwanda Prisons has been sentenced to a year's imprisonment for attacking a cellmate, leaving him with loose teeth following a misunderstanding over a cigarette.

Admire Makoni, 24, who is being held for murder, gave his cellmate Gallup Sibanda, 36, a thorough beating for refusing to give him a cigarette he was craving.

Makoni pleaded not guilty to assault but was convicted by magistrate Sheila Nazombe due to the overwhelming evidence against him.

The court heard that on March 8 at around 8AM at Gwanda Prison, Sibanda was cleaning in the cells when he was approached by Makoni who said he had been sent by one Brighton Munyira to ask for a cigarette.

Sibanda refuse and Makoni started insulting him but he remained silent. Makoni went on to charge towards Sibanda and assaulted him by punching him four times on the mouth.

Sibanda was rescued by Lingani Sibanda who is also an inmate.