Terrence Mawawa Masvingo |There was mayhem at Chivi Magistrate Court last week when a suspect escaped through the window during trial.
Prosper Chingwende, a local tout bolted out of the court room through the window soon after Magistrate Bishard Chineka had announced he would be remanded in custody to July 20.
Chingwende appeared in court facing assault and touting charges. Chingwende fled from the court room soon after the ruling had been made. Surprisingly the police and prison officers watched as he escaped.
“The accused just bolted out of the court room through the window when he was told he would be remanded in custody,” said a court official. Police and prison officers later chased Chingwende and apprehended him at Silver City residential area, Chivi Growth Point.
Chingwende said he ran away because he was afraid of being remanded in custody during the winter season.
“The incident has left us confused. Although the court windows do not have burglar bars,the police and prison officers just watched helplessly as he ran away. As trained officers they were supposed to take action as Chingwende bolted out of the court room.”
“The police and prison officers only chased him when he had already left the court room.We do not expect such things to happen when the court is in session,”added the official based at Chivi Magistrate’s Court.