Lydia Koto
Tatenda Taugare (28) an inmate who escaped from Mutimurefu prison on October 5 appeared before Masvingo magistrate Rethagetsi Silaigwana for escaping from lawful custody on April 23, 2021.
Taugare who was serving 10 years after being convicted of unlawful entry and theft pleaded guilty to the charge and was remanded in custody to October 8 for judgement.
The state represented by prosecutor Tatenda Dzitiro alleged that on April 23, 2021, Taugare escaped from Mutimurefu prison in Masvingo where he was serving his prison term.
Taugare reportedly crawled through the hole on the perimeter fence of the Correctional Centre’s farm which he saw while working on the fields.
A female prison officer who was guarding the prisoners saw him and she blew a whistle as a way of notifying her fellow workmates.
The prison officers tried to chase Taugare but failed to apprehend him.
The case was reported to Masvingo Rural police station.
Taugare was rearrested on April 24 in Zvishavane.
Quizzed by Silaigwana on the reason why he escaped, Taugare said he missed his family so he wanted to see his wife and kids.
He also added that 10 years which he was sentenced were too much.
“I missed my family and l wanted to go and see my kids and wife. In addition to that, the sentence l was given by the magistrate is too much and l felt that l should go out,” said Taugare
Taugare was charged with unlawful entry, assault and theft when he was sentenced to 10 years.
