Four wardens at the Chikurubhi Maximum Prison have appeared before the courts for breaking the leg of an inmate over a $1 coin dispute.
The State alleges that the four officers, Taona Nyoni, Godweu Njeku, Norman Chari and Marshal Nyandowe assaulted and broke the inmate’s leg for picking a $1 coin in the office he was cleaning.
The inmate, Masiiwa Vhitorini, who is said to be Harare magistrate Nyasha Vhitorini’s younger brother reportedly picked the coin and shoved it into his pocket.
The State also alleges that Njeku who was supervising him demanded the coin back when he realised that it was missing.
Despite the inmate handing the coin back, Njekuis alleged to have assaulted Vhitorini with his open hands demanding more money.
Njeku’s workmates whom he is jointly accused with later joined in assaulting Vhitorini.
Nyoni is said to have drawn his service rifle which he then used to repeatedly hit the inmate’s leg until it fractured.
The State also alleges that the accused warned Vhitorini against revealing what had transpired. They are said to have even accompanied him to the hospital in a bid to make sure he does not say anything.
The matter was however revealed when Vhitorini’s brother visited him. The magistrate then reported the matter to the police and the officers were arrested.
More: News Day