Zimbabwean prisoners in murder trial over sugar

By Lance Guma
09 September 2005

Four Zimbabwean prisoners in a Botswana jail are facing trial over the murder of a fellow inmate, Tshenolo Gabaitse who was killed in January 2003. Edwin Sibanda, Balakani Chuma, Dennis Nyathi and Charles Ngwenya appeared before a Francistown High Court judge on Tuesday.

A witness in the trial who is also a prisoner says the murder occurred during a stampede between Zimbabweans and Batswana prisoners. The two groups were arguing over sugar. After the clashes it is alleged Nyathi and Ngwenya later pursued the victim, Gabaitse before beating him up with a broom stick and hitting him on the head three times with a dustbin full of rubbish.

Hatred between the Zimbabwean and Batswana prisoners is said to be so intense, the four facing charges are not likely to get a fair hearing in a foreign country. Sources close to the story say the prisoner killed was a bully and had several people who disliked him apart from the Zimbabweans.

Political and economic problems in the country have led to a deluge of refugees fleeing across the border. The large number in exodus is clearly shown by a significant representation in crime statistics as they struggle for survival in hostile territories.