A Plumtree-based prison officer allegedly went AWOL for close to a month as he spent time abusing drugs and other illegal substances.
According to a medical report presented in court at the border town, Aurthur Malundi (25) started abusing drugs at the age of 18 and that affected his performance at work.
Malundi developed mental health problems due to drug abuse.
Prosecutors alleged the accused absented himself from duty without official leave from March 16 to April 5 and was deemed a deserter on April 6.
He handed himself to Zimbabwe Prison Commission Services on June 12 at his station and was escorted to the police where he was arrested.
Malundi was, however, acquitted by Plumtree magistrate Joshua Nembaware after prosecutors failed to give sufficient evidence.
