Yeukai Karengezeka — Three inmates at the Chikurubi Prison Psychiatric Unit appeared in court on Friday facing murder charges after they allegedly restrained and suffocated a fellow inmate whom they accused of being violent.

Tafadzwa Musenami, Panashe Mategude and Godfrey Zikumwa appeared before Harare provincial magistrate Mrs Ruth Moyo, who advised them to apply for bail at the High Court.

The State alleges that on August 6, the three accused were in Cell 9 at the Chikurubi Prison Psychiatric Unit, where they were admitted together with the late Bornington Tanganyika.

It is alleged that at around 7.15 pm, the three accused Tanganyika of being violent before teaming up to restrain him.

"The accused persons then tied the complainant's legs and hands behind his back using blanket straps while he was lying on the floor facing down," the State alleges.

The State further alleges that the accused covered Tanganyika's head with his jacket and a towel, resulting in him suffocating to death.

The matter was subsequently reported to the police, leading to the arrest of the three.