Hopewell Chin’ono Suspected To Have Contracted Covid-19 In Prison
Journalist Hopewell Chin’ono is suspected to have contracted covid-19 in jail.
One of his lawyers Douglas Coltart said Chin’ono is exhibiting symptoms that are consistent with covid-19.
Savanna News reported earlier on Monday that Chin’ono was seriously ill in prison.
Coltart confirmed Chin’ono saw a private doctor and they were awaiting test results.
He said Chin’ono’s s symptoms are obviously a cause for concern. According to his lawyer, Douglas Coltart, Chin’ono continues to be detained in an overcrowded cell in Chikurubi prison.
Coltart who visited Hopewell Chin’ono in jail, says the journalist is unwell and his symptoms include a fever, headache & distorted taste. “The symptoms are consistent with COVID-19 … but of course are not conclusive at this stage. We are still awaiting test results,” said Coltart.
On Wednesday, a Harare High Court judge will rule on Hopewell Chin’ono’s fourth bail appeal.
He has been detained for almost 6 weeks since his arrest on July 20.
Chin’ono and Ngarivhume were transferred to Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison.
Their lawyers said they were being denied access to their clients.
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In response, the ZPCS said this was one of the measures it had taken to minimise contact between inmates and the outside world so as to curb the spread of covid-19 in prisons.
ZPCS further said it ceased in-person visiting of prisoners for the safety of staff, prisoners and the public.
Zimbabwe’s prisons have not been spared from the covid-19 pandemic with a number of inmates and prison officers testing positive for the novel coronavirus.
ZPCS has recorded cases in Beitbridge, Plumtree, Masvingo, Whawha and, Bulawayo.
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