By A Correspondent| 15 Prison officers tested positive to COVID-19 at Chikurubi Maximum security Prison and Chikurubi training depot while a senior officer reportedly died this morning from the pandemic in what raises safety questions of incarcerated MDC Alliance leaders Job Sikhala, Jacob Mafume and Fadzai Mahere as well as journalist Hopewell Chin’ono.

According to a prison source, Superintendent Nefasi in charge of Zimbabwe Prison Services (ZPS) police Harare province passed away this morning from COVID-19 and another Correctional Officer in charge of ZPS police is reportedly in self isolation at the prison barracks.

Harare Mayor, Jacob Mafume has been languishing in remand prison at Chikurubi maximum prison after the magistrates denied him bail, while Chin’ono, Sikhala and Mahere who were arrested on charges of publishing falsehoods are detained while their matter is being heard at the Harare Magistrates Court.

Mafume is reportedly ill with earlier reports indicating that he had COVID-19 symptoms.

Chin’ono is being kept in isolation but complained this morning that he was transported in a prison truck with over 60 inmates.

More to follow…