A shocking revelation emerged as prison warden Takawira Taderera and inmate Witness Nyarupa faced charges before Harare Magistrate Munashe Chibanda. The allegations suggest an attempt to manipulate an audiology report in order to help Nyarupa, a suspected armed robber, avoid trial by falsely claiming he had a hearing impairment.
On December 2, 2022, Nyarupa was apprehended by CID Homicide on four counts of armed robbery and was remanded in custody pending investigations. During his time in remand prison, trial proceedings were disrupted after he asserted a hearing impairment.
Consequently, the State requested an audiological examination, leading Nyarupa to Audiomax Clinic on June 23 last year. Dr. Tsungirirai Marufu conducted the evaluation, determining that Nyarupa had normal hearing in both ears. The report was then sent to the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services.
The State alleges that Nyarupa collaborated with Taderera, who intercepted the report and made unauthorized alterations. Taderera, using a ZPCS Harare Remand Clinic date stamp, purportedly stamped the report and submitted it to the Harare Magistrates’ Court.
On January 17, the prosecutor summoned the audiologist to clarify certain terms in the report. To everyone’s surprise, the audiologist disassociated herself from the report presented by ZPCS. The court proceedings revealed the report as fraudulent, leading to the arrest of Taderera and Nyarupa for obstructing justice.
During questioning, Nyarupa implicated Taderera, asserting their collaboration to falsify the report and evade trial. Ignatius Bumhira, also implicated, remains at large.
Prosecutor Takudzwa Jambawo opposed bail, arguing that the seriousness of the offence increases the risk of the defendants absconding. However, defence lawyers Joseph Nemaisa, Malvern Mapako, and George Manokore, representing Taderera, countered that there is no substantial evidence against him. They pointed out the absence of a paper trail indicating Taderera’s involvement in signing the prison papers.
Source Iharare