The case, which was first briefly heard at the Gweru magistrates’ court in 2011, resumed last week when Chiminya appeared with his alleged accomplices: Erasmas Ntonga and Gilson Chibaya, the younger brother of MDC-T Mkoba MP, Amos Chibaya.
In 2008, Ntonga was picked up by police in Mkoba for a case of malicious damage to property. He was then detained at Nehanda Station in the same suburb. Shortly after the detention, it is alleged Chiminya and Chibaya went to the police station to see their colleague where they hatched a plan to escape with Ntonga. The state alleges that the three used a trick to hoodwink details of duties after which they all disappeared from the station. The three are denying the charge.
Magistrate Phatekile Msipa, who was expected to preside over the trial, was forced to adjourn it after the investigating officer failed to show up.