One of the seven men, who allegedly plotted a coup to topple Robert Mugabe and replacing him with Defence Minister Emerson Mnangagwa in 2006, reportedly attempted to escape from the country’s Maximum security prison on Monday where he and five others have been detained since May 2007.

Sources within the prison service said Albert Matapo that 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 fifteen meters long in his Chikurubi Maximum Security prison cell and one burglar bar had already been cut loose at the time of the discovery.

“Investigations have shown that Matapo have been 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 Matapo’s outside contacts and he admits to having worked with him though Matapo distances himself from the officer.

“It is now difficulty to understand what is going on but other officers are linking the latest development to state security agents. We now suspect Prison Officer Grade 2 Gwekwerere is working with the state agents to frame up fresh charges against Matapo and his company,” said the source.

Most officers who spoke to reporters said they suspected that Emmerson Munangagwa could be behind the deal to eliminate Matapo.

Matapo is jointly charged with Nyasha Zivuku, Oncemore Mudzurahona, Emmanuel Marara, Patson Mupfure, Shingirayi Mutemachani and Rangarirai Mazivofa on treason charges.

He along with his alleged accomplices has 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 with only identified as Gwekwerere are currently held at Harare Central Police Station’s notorious law and order section.

(Source)