Coup plotter in escape bid

Albert Matapo allegedly attempted to escape from Chikurubi Maximum security prison where he along with five others have been detained since May 2007. Sources within the prison service said the ex-army captain had been found in possession of a hammer, a number of hacksaw blades with one frame, glass cutters and a rope estimated to be 15 meters long in his cell. One burglar bar was said to have already been cut loose at the time of the discovery. Investigations have shown that Matapo was working with the assistance of prison officers within the station. One of our officers was found in possession of receipts of the items found with Matapo and some text messages in his cell phone which shows that he has been communicating with Matapos outside contacts. The officer admits to having worked with him, although Matapo distances himself from the officer, said the source.

It is now difficult to understand what is going on, but other officers are linking the latest development to state security agents. We now suspect the officer (name supplied) to have been working in cahoots with state security agents to frame fresh charges against Matapo and his group, said the source. A number of officers said they suspected senior politicians could be planning to eliminate Matapo to prevent him implicating them when the case eventually comes to court.

Matapo, Nyasha Zivuku, Oncemore Mudzurahona, Emmanuel Marara, Patson Mupfure, Shingirayi Mutemachani and Rangarirai Mazivofa were charged with treason and imprisoned in May 2007. They have been in custody ever since they were arrested in May 2007 and have been denied bail several times. Matapo and the prison officer whom he is allegedly accused of working are currently held at Harare Central Police Stations notorious law and order section.