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A Harare magistrate has dismissed former Zengeza West Member of Parliament Job Sikhala’s application for discharge in a case where he is accused of disorderly conduct, reported <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/magistrate-dismisses-sikhalas-application-for-discharge/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>.
Sikhala, who has been in pretrial detention since June 2022, is jointly charged with Chitungwiza mayor Lovemore Maiko (CCC).
Harare magistrate Yeukai Dzuda on Tuesday dismissed Sikhala and Maiko’s application for discharge and the two are set to appeal the ruling at the High Court.
Dzuda said the prosecution had a strong case and the two should proceed with their defense case.
Sikhala’s lawyer, Jeremiah Bamu, told reporters that they will appeal Dzuda’s ruling because it was unreasonable. He said:
<blockquote>
I have instructions to apply for review on the basis that this court made a factual finding that there are inconsistencies.
He is now in sixes and sevens trying to figure out how to respond to them in his defense.
We therefore seek time to file the review and we intend to have filed it before the end of the week. So perhaps we could have an interim remand for two weeks.
Dzuda postponed the matter to October 24 for the continuation of the trial.
</blockquote>
Sikhala and Maiko, together with other members of CCC, are accused of disrupting a ZANU PF rally ahead of the March 2022 by-elections.
It is alleged that the accused led a group of CCC supporters to the venue of the rally and pelted ZANU PF supporters with stones.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Harare Magistrate Dismisses Sikhala’s Application For Discharge

MDC-T chairman Morgen Komichi has pleaded with President Emmerson Mnangagwa to “soften his heart” and allow the courts to release jailed Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) member, Job Sikhala on bail.
Sikhala, who is a former Member of Parliament for St Mary’s and Zengeza West, has been in pretrial detention for over a year.
Speaking after visiting Sikhala at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison where he is incarcerated on Monday, Komichi said:
<blockquote>
Zimbabwe is a multi-party democracy which allows opposition parties. Opposition members must not be treated like murderers.
Mnangagwa must soften his heart and allow Sikhala to be granted bail so he can go through trial while coming from home.
I am appealing to Mnangagwa to show leadership and let Sikhala get bail.
</blockquote>
Sikhala was arrested in June 2022 together with 15 other CCC activists for allegedly inciting public violence.
All the other activists arrested together with Sikhala were granted bail.
In May 2023, Sikhala was found guilty of obstruction of justice. He is now on trial on additional charges of inciting violence and disorderly conduct.
The opposition has condemned Sikhala’s arrest and prolonged detention saying he is being persecuted for his political convictions.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Komichi Pleads With Mnangagwa To Allow Job Sikhala's Release From Prison

An official from Zimbabwe’s main opposition party, CCC, has said they have not abandoned jailed member Job Sikhala but were trying to avoid making “the situation worse”.
A former MDC Alliance principal, Jacob Ngarivhume, who is the leader of Transform Zimbabwe, was also arrested and sentenced to four years imprisonment.
Ngarivhume was in April 2023 found guilty of inciting public violence; using his X (Twitter) handle to call for the 31st July 2020 nationwide anti-government protests.
Speaking in an interview with Alpha Media Holdings chairman Trevor Ncube on the platform In Conversation with Trevor, Harare mayor Jacob Mafume said CCC leaders were avoiding actions that would land them in trouble. <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200015354/weve-not-abandoned-sikhala">NewsDay</a> quoted Mafume as saying:
<blockquote>
We want to avoid the acts of the oppressor becoming an indictment on you. The continued detention of Sikhala and Ngarivhume is not an indictment on us.
It is an indictment on those people that are detaining him and also an indictment on the Judiciary that allows itself to be in a position where it detains somebody on pre-trial incarceration for more than a year.
What we could do to make the situation worse is to go again on unplanned processes that might actually cloud the situation as to who is the problem here.
</blockquote>
Mafume, who has been in opposition politics for many years, said they now know how to deal with an oppressive system. He said:
<blockquote>
We have gathered a lot of experience now. We still have the same fire, but we now have the benefit or the wisdom of hindsight.
We know what is in the realm of the possible, what to push and also to measure and manage our excitement at any process that we are doing and also to avoid certain dangers not only to ourselves but also to our supporters.
The 2008 violence taught us a different whole new side to what we were facing and how to measure our tactics and what we need to do and how we do it going forward in many ways to avoid harming ourselves and causing harm to supporters who in most cases would be innocent.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

CCC Has Not Abandoned Sikhala - Mafume

On August 3, 2023, the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/08/03/supreme-court-clears-12-ccc-candidates-to-contest-2023-elections/">Supreme Court overturned the High Court’s ruling</a> and cleared 12 Citizens <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Citizens%27_Coalition_for_Change/">Coalition for Change (CCC)</a> parliamentary candidates to contest in the upcoming 2023 elections. Prior to the ruling, there was widespread speculation and debate about the judiciary’s impartiality and political bias, with some suggesting that the ruling ZANU PF party had undue influence over the courts and the executive branch of government.
Now that the ruling has been issued, reactions have been mixed, with some celebrating the decision as a victory for democracy and justice, while others caution against premature celebration and warn that the ruling could be used to bolster ZANU PF’s claims of a fair and free election. Pindula News presents some of the reactions below.
ZANU PF expressed disappointment on Twitter over the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the nullification of the nominations of the CCC parliamentary candidates. However, the party stated that they respect the court’s decision and that their government upholds the rule of law. Read the party’s posts:
<blockquote>
It’s a disappointing court outcome !! 
What’s now clear is that: 
eZEC sided with CCC on this case. 
Now the Courts have sided with CCC again. 
We are a political party which respects court judgements. 
Nothing changes, we will defeat the 12 CCC candidates in Bulawayo. 
Our courts are not captured. ZANU PF govt respects the rule of law, today’s Supreme Court judgement in favour of CCC is proof that our courts are not captured.
</blockquote>
According to Information Secretary <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Nick_Mangwana/">Nick Mangwana</a>, the Supreme Court’s decision shows that Zimbabwe’s judiciary is professional and impartial. He said:
<blockquote>
We have a very professional and impartial Judiciary. We unfortunately also have those who believe they should never lose a case, even if the case is a dud. When they lose they scream “captured”. Same for elections. We have those who always scream, “rigged” when they lose. You can’t blame the referee every time you don’t win.
</blockquote>
Award-winning journalist <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Hopewell_Chin'ono/">Hopewell Chin’ono</a> cautioned the CCC against premature celebration, warning that ZANU PF may use the Supreme Court’s decision to their advantage in the future. Chin’ono suggested that ZANU PF is using the ruling to position the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) as a fair referee in their narrative to the world. He argued:
<blockquote>
The Zimbabwean opposition should not celebrate anything from the court judgement, they should only breath a sigh of relief. 
The tweet below from a ZANUPF handle shows you what this is about, ZANUPF is saying the courts are not captured, and this has positioned @ZECzim as a fair referee in ZANUPF’s narrative to the world since the opposition got a favourable affidavit from @ZECzim
President Mnangagwa and ZANUPF didn’t need these 12 seats, because there was never 12 seats uncontested, only 3 were uncontested, the others would have been contested by the likes of ZAPU. 
So in the eyes of ZANUPF this process has cleansed the courts and @ZECzim
When the inevitable Presidential result dispute and battle takes center stage, this case will be used and referred to ad nauseam as an example that the process was fair. 
They will say; “…the same court delivered judgement in your favor last month, the same @ZECzim 
sided with you on the Bulawayo 12.” There is a word for it, it is called choreography! 
Celebration is missing the point!
</blockquote>
Brighton Mutebuka disagreed with Hopewell Chin’ono, saying that the CCC and <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Nelson_Chamisa/">Nelson Chamisa</a> should quietly celebrate that they are back on the ballot, despite knowing that the courts are captured. He criticized the unjust and unfounded criticism that was given as the reason for the disqualification of the CCC candidates and argued that such an approach helped the regime to escape censure while piling up pressure on the opposition. Mutebuka emphasized the need for solidarity among the opposition, which is badly beleaguered.
Former Information Minister, Professor <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Jonathan_Moyo/">Jonathan Moyo</a> has congratulated the CCC candidates. He also congratulated Professor Welshman Ncube for the legal fight he put up. Moyo expressed concern over the unprecedented high number of court battles over disputes arising from the outcome of the Nomination Court on 21 June 2023 saying they have put the integrity of the 2023 harmonised general election itself into serious question. He said:
<blockquote>
… Meanwhile, the message and the truth that justice denied is justice delayed, remain. On this score, the 2023 election has made history for the wrong reasons. It’s a notorious fact that the unprecedented high number of court battles over disputes arising from the outcome of the Nomination Court on 21 June 2023 have not only taken too long to resolve, but with only 20 days to go before polling day, the long delay has also put the integrity of the 2023 harmonised general election itself into serious question, with postal voting now in clear and present jeopardy. All nominated candidates gazetted by @ZECzim on 30 June 2023 should have been allowed to get on with it from the date of the Government Gazette. Today’s Supreme Court decision no doubt makes this point and its ramifications more sharply,and its consequences invite urgent and very troubling questions about the justice or injustice of the decision of the same Supreme Court on the Saviour Kasukuwere’s case, only last week. Not only is justice delayed justice denied, but justice must not only be done, it must also be seen to be done. Today’s Supreme Court decision for which CCC and other parliamentary candidates in Bulawayo who won it deserve their celebrations and are to be congratulated without any reservations, does nevertheless leave uncomfortable and unsettling thoughts about the justice or injustice of the Kasukuwere case. It is for this troubling situation that the Constitutional Court has its work cut out, not least because section 23(3) of the Electoral Act, upon which the Kasukuwere case was decided is manifestly unconstitutional, particularly but not only in terms of sections 66 and 67 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, regarding the right to freedom of movement and residence, and the right to vote; which are both historic gains of the liberation struggle whose heroes Zimbabweans are commemorating this month, and on which a general election is taking place for the first time since independence in 1980!
</blockquote>
CCC national spokesperson, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Fadzayi_Mahere/">Fadzayi Mahere</a>, said there is nothing to celebrate adding that the candidates must have never been removed from the ballot in the first place. The legal expert said:
<blockquote>
We won’t stop demanding democracy #ForEveryone. The people of Bulawayo must never be deprived of the right to choose their leaders. We reject the imposition of Zanu PF in Bulawayo Province. We don’t celebrate because they should never have been removed in the first place!
</blockquote>
While some have celebrated the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the nullification of the nominations of the CCC parliamentary candidates, others have highlighted the ongoing incarceration of CCC’s MP for Zengeza West, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Job_Sikhala/">Job Sikhala</a>, and Transform Zimbabwe leader, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Jacob_Ngarivhume/">Jacob Ngarivhume</a>, as a sign that the judiciary is captured. Despite the court’s ruling, some believe that the continued detention of Sikhala and Ngarivhume, without trial for over a year, undermines the credibility of the judiciary and the electoral process. The detention of these political leaders has been a subject of controversy, with some alleging that it is politically motivated. 
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Mixed Reactions As Supreme Court Clears 12 CCC Candidates To Contest 2023 Elections

Political analyst <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Ibbo_Mandaza/">Ibbo D Mandaza</a> has criticised the continued incarceration of <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Job_Sikhala/">Job Sikhala</a> and <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Jacob_Ngarivhume/">Jacob Ngarivhume</a>, stating that it is not only a scandal but also an indictment on the Zimbabwean government led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa. 
Sikhala has been in Chikurubi Maximum Prison since June 2022 without trial, facing charges of incitement of violence and obstruction of justice. Ngarivhume, leader of the opposition Transform Zimbabwe party, was convicted of incitement to public violence in April 2023 and sentenced to four years in jail for a tweet he posted in July 2020. In a Twitter post seen by Pindula News, Mandaza suggested that the ZANU PF government is worse than the colonial government led by Ian Douglas Smith. He said:
<blockquote>
That Job Sikhala and Jacob Ngarivhume are still under incarceration as political prisoners is not only a scandal of great proportions but an indictment on those who purport to be in charge of this country. Never thought we would do worse than the Rhodesian regime.
</blockquote>
Mandaza’s remarks come after Julius Malema, the leader of South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/05/02/julius-malema-speaks-on-jacob-ngarivhumes-imprisonment/">expressed shock</a> at <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/04/28/jacob-ngarivhume-sentenced-to-four-years-in-jail/">Jacob Ngarivhume’s imprisonment</a> in Zimbabwe. He criticised the Zimbabwean government for jailing Ngarivhume for demanding accountability on how COVID-19 funds were used in 2020, stating that it is pathetic to imprison an activist for holding different political views.
Former cabinet minister <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Jonathan_Moyo/">Jonathan Moyo</a> also claimed that Ngarivhume’s conviction and imprisonment signifies a regression of Zimbabwe’s judiciary system back to the Gukurahundi era, which was a period of political violence from 1983 to 1987. 
Zimbabwe has faced criticism for restricting political freedoms through arrests and harassment of opposition figures, journalists, and activists.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Ibbo Mandaza Criticises Zimbabwe's Imprisonment Of Opposition Leaders

The family of <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Moreblessing_ali/">Moreblessing Ali</a>, a <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Citizens_Coalition_for_Change/">Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC)</a> activist who was abducted, murdered, and dismembered last year has vowed not to bury her until Zengeza West lawmaker <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Job_Sikhala/">Job Sikhala</a> is released from prison. 
Sikhala has been held under pretrial detention for a year, charged with obstructing the course of justice and incitement of violence. The Ali family believes that Sikhala’s persecution is linked to his offering of legal assistance to them in their quest for justice. Nyasha Ali, Moreblessing’s daughter spoke to <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/moreblessing-alis-family-vows-no-burial-until-job-sikhalas-release/">ZimLive</a>:
<blockquote>
We won’t bury our mother until Sikhala is out of jail. He’s not just a lawyer, he’s like an uncle to us. Moreblessing is his sister.
We want justice for him. Sikhala is the only person who can stand for us as a family. Besides him, the rest are not doing anything.
It’s been a year since my beloved mother was gruesomely killed by this murderer. It’s painful that nothing has been done and justice has not been served. I don’t know what crime my mother committed to deserve to be slaughtered like a chicken.
We want justice for our mother. Nyatsime is no longer safe, and our lives are now in danger. We are constantly being threatened that we’re longer welcome it’s a ZANU PF home. We don’t know what tomorrow holds.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, the alleged killer of Moreblessing Ali, Zanu PF activist <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Pius_Jamba/">Pius Mukandi Jamba</a>, has yet to be tried. 
Violent clashes between CCC and ZANU PF supporters ensued during Ali’s memorial service after the latter tried to bar mourners from attending funeral proceedings.
Wednesday 14 June 2023, marked exactly one year since Job Sikhala has been in pre-trial detention.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Moreblessing Ali's Family Vows Not To Bury Her Until Sikhala's Release

"My Resolve In Unshaken", Job Sikhala Pens Open Letter From Prison

Today, Wednesday 14 June 2023, marks exactly one year since Zimbabwean opposition MP and lawyer, Job Sikhala has been in pre-trial detention.
Sikhala was arrested on 14 June 2022 and charged with incitement to commit public violence.
While in prison, the Zengeza West MP was slapped with another charge, that of obstructing or defeating the course of justice.
In a statement, the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) outlined the charges Sikhala is facing, including a third charge, that of disorderly conduct in a public place. Read the statement below:
<blockquote>
Today, Zengeza West constituency MP and lawyer Hon. Job Sikhala clocks up one year in jail after he was arrested last year by [Police] officers and charged with committing a litany of offences.
Hon. Sikhala, who is one of the opposition political party [CCC] party leaders and is currently detained at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison, is undergoing trial at Harare Magistrates Court on 2 charges of incitement to commit public violence and disorderly conduct.
The Zengeza West legislator was arrested by ZRP officers on 14 June 2022 and charged with incitement to commit public violence as defined in section 187(1)(a) as read with section 36(1)(a) of the Criminal Code.
Prosecutors alleged that Hon. Sikhala recorded and circulated a video urging people to commit acts of public violence in seeking revenge for the death of Moreblessing Ali, who was murdered in the Nyatsime area in Beatrice.
Hon. Sikhala, prosecutors charged, supplied some vehicles which allegedly ferried some CCC party supporters from Chitungwiza and Epworth to Nyatsime, where they reportedly attacked some ruling ZANU PF party supporters and also destroyed property at shops and beer halls and looted groceries and electrical gadgets including burning a one-roomed house belonging to George Murambatsvina, the ZANU PF party Councillor for Nyatsime. His trial continues at Harare Magistrates Court.
While in prison custody, ZRP officers on 12 July 2022 hauled Hon. Sikhala out of Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison and charged him with obstructing or defeating the course of justice as defined in Section 184(1)(e) of the Criminal Code. 
In this matter, prosecutors alleged that at an unknown date but during the period extending from 25 May 2022 and 16 June 2022 in Chitungwiza and Nyatsime, the Zengeza West legislator recorded and circulated a video clip wherein he intended to mislead police officers probing the murder of Ali.
The law enforcement agents claimed that Hon. Sikhala blamed some ruling ZANU PF party supporters for kidnapping and murdering Ali.
On 3 May 2023, Harare Magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa convicted Hon. Sikhala for obstructing or defeating the course of justice and sentenced him to pay a fine of US$600, failure of which, he would serve 6 months in prison.
Hon Sikhala’s lawyers Harrison Nkomo and [Jeremiah Bamu] of [ZLHR], have since appealed against both conviction and sentence at the High Court, where they argued that Magistrate Gofa erred and misdirected herself when she handed down the verdict on the opposition political party legislator.
Hon Sikhala and Lovemore Maiko, a member of [CCC], who is also the Councillor for Ward 7 in Chitungwiza Municipality, are also on trial at Harare Magistrates Court answering to charges of disorderly conduct in a public place as defined in section 41 of the Criminal Code.
Hon. Sikhala and Councillor Maiko, who were summoned to appear in court on 20 April 2023, are accused of disrupting a ZANU PF political party campaign rally held on 2 May 2022 by throwing stones at some ruling party supporters.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Job Sikhala Clocks Exactly One Year In Pre-trial Detention

<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Job_Sikhala/">Job Sikhala</a>, a Zimbabwean opposition politician, has been denied bail for the fifteenth time since his arrest in June 2022. He was arrested and charged with inciting violence, accused of threatening to avenge the murder of opposition activist, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Moreblessing_ali/">Moreblessing Ali</a>, an allegation that has been dismissed by critics as politically motivated.
Sikhala’s trial began on January 3, 2023, but has stalled after he requested that the proceedings be broadcast live. In a letter sent from prison, Sikhala said he is unwell and fears being killed in prison. He wrote:
<blockquote>
I have not been feeling well for the past three weeks.
I don’t really understand and do not know what it is. I pray it is not colon cancer.
I ask all Zimbabweans to pray for me to be healed from this pain.
</blockquote>
Sikhala added that he believed his life to be under threat, and that he feared being killed in prison.
If found guilty, he could be sentenced to 20 years in prison. Critics say that his continued incarceration is an attempt at political persecution ahead of a crucial election this year.
The CCC, the political party Sikhala represents, was born out of the former Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), and he is viewed as an important figure in drumming up urban support for the party. The continued detention of Sikhala has stoked concerns over another government crackdown on opposition politicians and has led to widespread criticism and calls for his release. CCC spokesperson <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Fadzayi_Mahere/">Fadzayi Mahere</a> said:
<blockquote>
The continued incarceration of Job Sikhala is one of the latest signs of the political crisis and shrinking democratic space in Zimbabwe. He is being persecuted. There is no legal justification for him to be detained without trial for over 200 days.
</blockquote>
Political analyst <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Ibbo_Mandaza/">Ibbo Mandaza</a>, who has petitioned the international community to intervene in Sikhala’s case, said:
<blockquote>
It appears inevitable that the onslaught on the opposition will intensify as elections approach, not to mention the accompanying violence and bloodshed.
</blockquote>
According to Lawyer <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Doug_Coltart/">Doug Coltart</a>, it is evident that the state intends to detain Sikhala for an extended period, and it appears that this action is politically motivated. Coltart believes that Sikhala’s detainment is a ploy to remove him from the political arena.
<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Tendai_Biti/">Tendai Biti</a>, a former finance minister and opposition MP, expressed shock at the continued denial of bail to Job Sikhala, stating that it represents a fundamental change of circumstances. He added that the law must remain autonomous and protect itself against capture.
Similarly, journalist <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Hopewell_Chin'ono/">Hopewell Chin’ono</a> condemned Sikhala’s detention in several Twitter posts and conveyed Sikhala’s determination to continue the struggle for freedom.
Zimbabwean actor <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Chipo_Chung/">Chipo Chung</a> also questioned the detention of Sikhala and demanded justice for victims of violence, referring to the murder of Moreblessing Ali. Chung expressed disappointment at the lack of progress towards a new dispensation and called on President Mnangagwa to address the situation. Chung is the daughter of Zimbabwe liberation war hero and former minister of education, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Fay_Chung" title="Fay Chung">Fay Chung</a>. 
Zimbabweans are scheduled to participate in a general election on 23 August amid growing concerns about violence by the ruling ZANU PF party. Opposition politician <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Nelson_Chamisa/">Nelson Chamisa</a> is expected to challenge President <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Emmerson_Mnangagwa/">Emmerson Mnangagwa</a> for the second time, with early indications suggesting another closely contested race.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Zimbabwean Opposition Politician Job Sikhala Denied Bail For 15th Time Since Arrest

Zengeza West legislator <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Job_Sikhala/">Job Sikhala</a> and Zengeza West councillor <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Lovemore_Maiko/">Lovemore Maiko</a> recently denied a charge of disorderly conduct when they appeared for trial before Harare magistrate Yeukai Dzuda.
Police officer Keffus Kumurai and Zanu PF supporter Pardon Chitembwe were brought in as witnesses and testified that Sikhala and opposition supporters initiated violence against Zanu PF supporters. The witnesses claimed that a fight broke out between the two political parties and police had to intervene. 
Keffus Kumurai told the court that he was patrolling in Zengeza while a Zanu PF gathering was being held at the Zengeza 5 grounds. He said suddenly a white lorry appeared with 40 people, including Sikhala. He told the court:
<blockquote>
The people were in yellow coloured clothing.  I ordered them not to proceed to the Zanu PF gathering and Sikhala said they were doing a door-to-door campaign, which was not mandatory for them to notify the police.
They initiated violence led by Sikhala against Zanu PF supporters.
</blockquote>
Officer Kumurai testified that a fight broke out between the two political parties and police had to park their vehicles between the two political party camps. However, a statement produced in court by the same policeman claimed that supporters of both parties threw stones at each other. The police officer suggested that this may have been the result of a typing error.
Pardon Chitembwe claimed that the opposition supporters were carrying stones in the truck and that Lovemore Maiko was giving more stones to the youths to throw at them. Chitembwe also accused Job Sikhala of throwing a stone that hit one of their members, Shepard Tawodzera. Chitembwe stated that he is the secretary for security in the ruling party.
The trial is set to continue on June 15.
<h2><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Police Officer, ZANU PF Supporter Testify In Sikhala, Maiko Disorderly Conduct Case

Four University of Zimbabwe students were arrested for staging a protest against the continued imprisonment of opposition politician <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Job_Sikhala/">Job Sikhala</a> and the “use of the law against government critics.”
The students are being charged with criminal nuisance and are being represented by a human rights NGO lawyer.
The protest involved over 30 youths holding placards and denouncing the ZANU PF government for persecuting opposition politicians.
The students also used social media with the hashtag #BlackMonday to mourn the death of democracy and the rule of law in the country.
Sikhala has been in pre-trial detention since June last year, while other opposition members and human rights activists face various charges amid concerns over shrinking democratic space in Zimbabwe.
The students’ comments are similar to those made by opposition members and other government critics who accuse the government’s executive branch of controlling the judiciary to benefit the ruling party.
Critics have accused the government of using the judiciary to silence opposition voices and to protect ruling party officials from prosecution.
There have been several high-profile cases where opposition members and human rights activists have been arrested and charged with various offences while ruling party officials accused of similar offences have gone unpunished.
The appointment of judges has also been a contentious issue, with accusations that the government has manipulated the process to ensure that only judges sympathetic to the ruling party are appointed. These actions have led to concerns about the impartiality of the judiciary and the erosion of democratic values in Zimbabwe.
<h2><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Four Students Arrested For Protesting Sikhala's Imprisonment

On Monday, students from various tertiary institutions protested on social media against alleged ‘judicial capture’ and weaponisation of the law against opposition members.
The protest was sparked by the continued imprisonment of opposition CCC legislator <a href="https://wiki.pindula.co.zw/Job_Sikhala">Job Sikhala</a>, and students showed solidarity by painting graffiti in the capital calling for his release.
Zimbabwe Congress of Students Union President Boris Muguti said the protest aimed to send a message to the government. <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200011642/students-protest-over-judicial-capture">NewsDay</a> cited Muguti as saying:
<blockquote>
The primary agenda was to send a message to the regime in Harare and register our discontent against judicial capture. The message was successfully delivered.
Students were wearing black all over the country mourning the death of democracy and the rule of law in Zimbabwe. The campaign was also a way of expressing our solidarity with the incarcerated comrades Job Sikhala and Jacob Ngarivhume.
As barometers of class consciousness, we cannot afford to sit and watch while the regime continues closing the democratic space in the country.
</blockquote>
<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Jacob_Ngarivhume/">Jacob Ngarivhume</a> recently received a <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2023/05/01/jonathan-moyo-says-ngarivhumes-imprisonment-shows-zims-regression-to-gukurahundi-era/">four-year jail sentence</a> for inciting public violence but will serve only three years. Sikhala has been in remand prison since June last year on charges of obstructing justice, inciting violence, and disorderly behaviour.
Muguti criticised the government for using courts to persecute political opponents, claiming that it has reduced Zimbabwe to a circus.
Police were reportedly unaware of the protests.
<h2><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Students Protest 'Judicial Capture' And Weaponisation Against Opposition

Zengeza West MP Job Sikhala ( MDC Alliance) plans to appeal his conviction for obstructing or defeating the course of justice by a Harare magistrate.
The charges were in connection with police investigations into the murder of Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) activist Moreblessing Ali in Nyatsime last year.
Last week Harare Magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa sentenced Sikhala to six months in prison or a fine of US$600.
However, <a href="https://businesstimes.co.zw/job-sikhala-to-appeal-conviction-at-high-court/">Business Times</a> quoted Sikhala’s lawyer Harrison Nkomo as saying they will appeal the conviction at the High Court. Said Nkomo:
<blockquote>
We have instructions to file to the High Court. The accused person believes very strongly that he stands a better chance in the High Court on review, a superior court might arrive at a different decision altogether.
</blockquote>
Obstructing the course of justice refers to any act that interferes with the administration of justice, such as destroying evidence, making false statements to the police or courts, threatening witnesses, or bribing officials.
Sikhala has been in remand since June 2022 and remains in custody for three other charges that are before the courts.
The CCC vice chairman, who has 12 children, is in high spirits in spite of his conviction, according to Nkomo.
CCC deputy spokesperson Gift Ostallos Siziba told reporters that the opposition party is not happy with Sikhala’s conviction, saying “everyone is in a state of shock.” He added:
<blockquote>
This happens as we are entering into the shadows of an election where political leaders are persecuted. Most of our leaders are in and out of the courts for different concocted political charges.
</blockquote>
Sikhala’s conviction comes days after the leader of the opposition Transform Zimbabwe party Jacob Ngarivhume was sentenced to an effective three years in jail for incitement to public violence.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Sikhala To Appeal Conviction At High Court

After Harare Magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa‘s ruling on Tuesday that found <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">Job Sikhala</a> guilty of defeating the course of justice, several people have posted responses. <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">The Magistrate said The State</a> was able to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt, and Sikhala was found guilty of utterances made at Moreblessing Ali’s funeral. We present some of the responses to the conviction:
Joanah Mamombe, CCC MP for Harare West, called <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/05/03/job-sikhala-convicted-of-obstruction-of-justice">Sikhala’s conviction</a> a miscarriage of justice. She said:
<blockquote>
It is a sad and painful day in our fight for a free Zimbabwe. A Harare magistrate has convicted @JobSikhala1 on a trumped-up charge of obstruction to justice. We mourn the collapse of justice! We weep for the miscarriage of justice! We bleed from political persecution.
</blockquote>
Fadzayi Mahere, CCC national spokesperson also expressed sadness over Sikhala’s conviction. She said:
<blockquote>
Why have they not convicted the MURDERERS of Moreblessing Ali? We need new leaders.
</blockquote>
Former Finance Minister Tendai Biti described <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">Sikhala</a>‘s conviction as the weaponization of the law against opposition members. He said:
<blockquote>
The Harare Magistrate Court has just convicted Job Sikhala of obstruction of justice. After Ngaribvumwe s conviction last week the agenda of weaponization can never be in doubt. We weep for Zimbabwe. We weep for the motherland.
</blockquote>
Gift Ostallos Siziba, CCC deputy spokesperson said charges against Sikhala were trumped up adding that the conviction was a clear travesty of justice. He said:
<blockquote>
Hon <a class="link-complex" data-user-name="JobSikhala1" href="https://twitter.com/JobSikhala1/" rel="noopener user" target="_blank">@JobSikhala1</a> has been found guilty of obstructing the course of Justice. He appeared before the Harare Magistrates’ Court for a judgement in a trumped-up case in which he is accused of obstruction of justice. 
</blockquote>
A Twitter account, ZANU PF PATRIOTS, claimed that <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">Sikhala</a>‘s conviction showed the rule of law in Zimbabwe. 
<blockquote>
Job Sikhala is an irresponsible MP/Lawyer<img alt="‼️" class="emoji" decoding="async" draggable="false" src="https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/72x72/203c.png"/> Magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa added that, evidence clearly shows that Sikhala’s utterances led the police to follow new leads in the murder of Moreblessing. Conviction of Job Sikhala shows there is rule of law in Zimbabwe The same courts which convicted him today acquitted him several times before.
</blockquote>
The All-Party Parliamentary Group Zimbabwe (APPG Zimbabwe) said Sikhala’s conviction is deeply concerning. APPG Zimbabwe said:
<div class="tweet-body js-tweet-body">
<blockquote>
Deeply concerning to hear of the politically motivated conviction of Job Sikhala MP. Meanwhile, no one has been held accountable for the murder of Moreblessing Ali, whose family <a class="link-complex" data-user-name="JobSikhala1" href="https://twitter.com/JobSikhala1/" rel="noopener user" target="_blank">@JobSikhala1</a> was representing at the time of his arrest.
</blockquote>
</div>
<header class="tweet-header js-tweet-header flex flex-row flex-align--baseline">
<div class="nbfc">Rusty Markham, MP for Harare North said “Chaora Chinhu Ichi”, a phrase which means this thing (system) is rotten. He tagged the  United Kingdom Embassy in Zimbabwe and said:</div>
<time class="tweet-timestamp js-timestamp txt-mute flex-shrink--0" data-time="1683116639000" datetime="2023-05-03T12:23:59.000Z"></time></header>
<div class="tweet-body js-tweet-body">
<blockquote>
Chaora Chinu ichi FREE JOB SIKHALA <a class="link-complex" data-user-name="UKinZimbabwe" href="https://twitter.com/UKinZimbabwe/" rel="noopener user" target="_blank">@UKinZimbabwe</a>
</blockquote>
</div>
<header class="tweet-header js-tweet-header flex flex-row flex-align--baseline"></header>
<div class="tweet-body js-tweet-body">
A Twitter account George Charamba @GeorgeCharamba2 said:
</div>
<div class="tweet-body js-tweet-body">
<blockquote>
Sikhala Convicted! “Sikhala was aware that police were investigating the murder case but he went ahead to make utterances that misled police investigations. The evidence led by State witnesses corroborated each other &amp; Sikhala is found guilty of obstructing the course of justice”
</blockquote>
</div>
Makomborero Haruzivishe, a CCC opposition leader, stated that <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">Sikhala</a>‘s conviction on politically motivated charges of obstructing the course of justice is another attack on <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">Zimbabwe</a>‘s democracy. He said:
<div class="css-1dbjc4n">
<blockquote>
<div class="css-1dbjc4n r-1habvwh">The conviction of Hon. Job Sikhala on trumped-up and politically motivated charges of ‘obstructing the course of justice’ is a further assault to Zimbabwe’s democracy. The real obstructors of justice are the captured police, captured prosecutors and captured courts which have been weaponised by ZanuPf against the opposition. This is further evidence that Emmerson Mnangagwa is a tyranny beyond redemption. He is clearly unwilling to reform. He has clearly failed to implement his 2017 and 2018 promises to the people of Zimbabwe. ED does not deserve your votes! ED is worser than Mugabe. ED is Ian Smith’s twin. Just like Mugabe and Smith; ED must go! <a class="css-4rbku5 css-18t94o4 css-901oao css-16my406 r-1cvl2hr r-1loqt21 r-poiln3 r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FreeJobSikhala?src=hashtag_click" role="link">#FreeJobSikhala</a> <a class="css-4rbku5 css-18t94o4 css-901oao css-16my406 r-1cvl2hr r-1loqt21 r-poiln3 r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NoToJudicialCapture?src=hashtag_click" role="link">#NoToJudicialCapture</a> <a class="css-4rbku5 css-18t94o4 css-901oao css-16my406 r-1cvl2hr r-1loqt21 r-poiln3 r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ZanuPfMustGo?src=hashtag_click" role="link">#ZanuPfMustGo</a></div>
</blockquote>
<div class="css-1dbjc4n">
<div data-testid="tweetText" dir="auto" lang="en">
<header class="tweet-header js-tweet-header flex flex-row flex-align--baseline">Speaking before his sentencing this Wednesday, Sikhala said:</header>
<blockquote>
<header class="tweet-header js-tweet-header flex flex-row flex-align--baseline">The walls of Chikurubi (Maximum Security Prison) have been my companion for 10 months… Whatever penalty is imposed against me will not contain the ideal of a free, peaceful and just Zimbabwe.</header>
</blockquote>
<header class="tweet-header js-tweet-header flex flex-row flex-align--baseline">Some suggested that the State’s strategy is to keep Sikhala out of politics by prolonging the legal processes, but this could backfire by boosting his political profile. Sikhala also faces incitement charges, and these legal processes may take some time to conclude.</header>
<div class="tweet-body js-tweet-body">
<h2 lang="en"><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>
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Responses To Job Sikhala's Conviction

Zengeza West Member of Parliament, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Job_Sikhala">Job Sikhala</a>, has been fined US$600 or go to jail for 6 months after being convicted of obstructing the course of justice.
Magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa convicted and sentenced Sikhala on May 3, 2023.
The Obstruction of Justice case: 
The case emanates from a video which Sikhala posted on social media claiming that <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Moreblessing_Ali">Moreblessing Ali</a>, a member of the opposition Coalition for Change (CCC) was murdered by ZANU PF supporters. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) was still investigating the matter when Sikhala posted the video. 
The Conviction and Sentence:
The magistrate ruled that the State proved that Sikhala was the one who authored and posted the video on social media platforms claiming that Moreblessing Ali was murdered and kidnapped by ZANU PF supporters.
In mitigation before sentencing, Sikhala’s defence counsel pleaded for leniency.
In her verdict, Magistrate Gofa considered that Sikhala is a family man with 11 children who are still at primary school.
What now?
Sikhala, who has been in prison since June 2022, remains incarcerated as he still faces three other charges including incitement of public violence arising from Moreblessing Ali’s funeral. Sikhala and his co-accused, Godfrey Sithole, allegedly provided vehicles to transport <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">CCC party</a> supporters who attacked ZANU PF supporters, destroyed property, looted groceries and electrical gadgets, and burned a one-roomed house belonging to a <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">ZANU PF party</a> councillor.
<h2><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Sikhala Ordered To Pay US$600 Or Serve 6 Months Jail

Job Sikhala, Zengeza West Member of Parliament, has been convicted of <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">obstruction of justice</a> in the <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">murder investigations</a> of Moreblessing Ali. He allegedly interfered with police investigations and obstructed the course of justice.
Sentencing is scheduled for later today by <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">Harare magistrate</a> Gofa. 
The opposition <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">Citizens Coalition</a> for Change (CCC) expressed frustration on social media, stating that Job Sikhala’s charges were trumped up. Read the post:
<blockquote>
BREAKING: Our MP, Hon @JobSikhala1 has been convicted on a trumped up case in which he is accused of obstruction of justice. He’s being punished by the regime in Harare for representing Moreblessing Ali who was brutally murdered by a Zanu PF member in Nyatsime. We condemn this unjust weaponisation of the law and we insist that he’s innocent. Sentence at 14.15
</blockquote>
According to the party’s spokesperson, Fadzayi Mahere, Sikhala’s conviction is an unconstitutional weaponisation of the law against government critics. She said:
<blockquote>
BREAKING: <a class="link-complex" data-user-name="JobSikhala1" href="https://twitter.com/JobSikhala1/" rel="noopener user" target="_blank">@JobSikhala1</a> has been convicted on a charge of attempting to defeat the course of justice. This is an unconstitutional weaponization of the law against Govt critics. Sikhala is being punished for legally representing Moreblessing Ali who was murdered for her politics.
</blockquote>
Sikhala was arrested last year in June during the funeral wake of slain CCC activist Moreblessing Ali. He has been in prison ever since.
<h2><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Job Sikhala Convicted Of Obstruction Of Justice

Harare magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa on Friday further moved to 3 May the judgement in CCC national chairman Job Sikhala’s trial on charges of defeating the course of justice.
Gofa said she needs time to go through Sikhala’s closing submissions which she only received earlier in the day, reported <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/job-sikhala-judgement-moved-to-may-3/">ZimLive</a>.
Sikhala is accused of disturbing Police investigations into the May 2022 murder of CCC activist Moreblessing Ali in Nyatsime, Chitungwiza.
The Zengeza West MP, who was the lawyer for Ali’s family, is accused of appearing in a social media video image while threatening revenge against Ali’s murderers.
Prosecutors argue that Sikhala disturbed investigations into the matter considering that the police were already investigating the murder.
Sikhala, however, denies the allegations.
During the trial, Sikhala denied ever publishing the video prosecutors are relying on and ever addressing mourners during Ali’s funeral wake.
He maintained his innocence saying when this incident allegedly happened, he was at his rural home.
Sikhala also argued that the State had failed to prove that the video was not edited by persons keen on fixing him.
Moreover, video expert Olaf Koschke who testified in his defence also told the same court the video that the state relied on was edited.
The magistrate said the court will rule on the authenticity of the video at a later stage.
Sikhala is also accused of inciting public violence and facts are based on the same utterances allegedly captured in a video.
He has been in jail since his arrest on 14 June 2022 and his many attempts to secure bail were rejected both at the magistrates’ court and High Court.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Magistrate Postpones Job Sikhala Judgement To 3 May

Ellen Sikhala, the wife of <a href="https://wiki.pindula.co.zw/Job_Sikhala">Job Sikhala</a>, a Member of Parliament for Zengeza West who is currently incarcerated, cried on Monday while describing the challenges her family has faced since her husband’s arrest in June of last year.
Job Sikhala, who is also the Vice-Chairperson of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), has been in pre-trial detention since his arrest.  He is facing charges of inciting violence at a party activist’s funeral, obstructing the course of justice, and disorderly conduct. Despite numerous attempts, he has been denied bail.
Ellen Sikhala spoke at the launch of two publications on her husband, revealing that his lengthy pretrial detention has taken a toll on their family as he has been held for over 10 months.
The two publications were authored by Southern Africa Human Rights Defenders Network, Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum, Civic Space Network, and Political Prisoners in Africa. Speaking at the event, Ellen said:
<blockquote>
It has been a horrible experience since the 14th of June 2022. Honourable Sikhala, my husband is an innocent, peace-loving father who takes care of a very large extended family.
Since his arrest it has not been easy for me to take care of the family as the breadwinner has been taken away from us.
It is always confusing to spend the whole day roaming around the courts with nothing materialising, just like today (Monday), we had been at the court since morning, but nothing has changed.
We just hope that the Lord will keep him safe for us in the horrible cells he’s living in. It is a place he is not supposed to be, but our hands are tied. We just pray and hope that the Lord will take us through. 
The experience is just bad for us, even for the kids. They are becoming impatient now. Sometimes it’s hard to explain things to them, but we want to thank the listening ear of our Lord that is keeping them strong also
</blockquote>
Tears flowed down her cheeks as she talked about how the incarnation of her husband had affected their children.
She expressed gratitude that they are still able to provide food and meet the needs of their children with the help of her husband’s extended network.
Ellen criticised the judiciary system for delaying her husband’s case repeatedly. She hopes that her husband will be kept safe in his current situation and that God will help them through this difficult time.
She said the experience has been challenging for their children, who are becoming impatient and finding it hard to understand the situation. 
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Ellen Sikhala Cries Over Her Husband's Arrest

Zengeza West MP Job Sikhala (MDC Alliance), who has been in pre-trial detention for more than 300 days, and former Chitungwiza Mayor Lovemore Maiko appeared before a Harare magistrate on Thursday, 20 April, charged with disorderly conduct.
Sikhala and Sithole allegedly disrupted a ZANU PF rally in Chitungwiza in May last year by throwing stones at people who were gathered at the event.
They are being charged with disorderly conduct as defined in Section 41 (a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23.
Their trial, however, failed to kick off after their lawyers indicated that they had not been furnished with papers to prepare for their clients’ defence.
Harare magistrate Yeukai Dzuda postponed the matter to 9 May.
Allegations are that on 02 May 2022, at around 10 am, ZANU PF aspiring candidate for Ward 7, Charamba Mlambo, was holding a council by-elections campaign rally at Zengeza 5 open grounds in Chitungwiza.
The court heard that at around 2 PM, Sikhala and Maiko, who were reportedly part of a group that was armed with stones, allegedly approached the gathering and started stoning the people.
The gathering was forced to disperse as a result.
Sikhala, who is the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) deputy national chairperson, has remained on pre-trial detention for the past 10 months after his arrest in June last year.
He was arrested for allegedly inciting public violence and disturbing police investigations following the murder of Moreblessing Ali of Nyatsime in 2022.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Job Sikhala In Court For "Throwing Stones At A ZANU PF Rally"

Job Sikhala is set to appear in court on Thursday on an alleged disorderly conduct charge, bringing to four the cases he is facing after being denied bail on the other three.
The Zengeza West MP has remained on pre-trial detention for the past 10 months after his arrest in June last year.
Sikhala was arrested for allegedly inciting public violence and disturbing police investigations following the murder of Moreblessing Ali of Nyatsime in 2022.
His allies, who call themselves Friends of the Job Sikhala Trust, told <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200010354/sikhala-faces-yet-another-charge">NewsDay</a> on Monday that the new charge of disorderly conduct is a deliberate attempt to keep Sikhala in prison until after the forthcoming elections.
The spokesperson of Friends of the Job Sikhala Trust Emmanuel Zellers Gumbo said:
<blockquote>
The trust notes with deep sadness the perpetual persecution of Mr. Sikhala. But the regime has made it clearer that this is nothing but a political battle as compared to legal which now calls for political action, we now need to speak with the voice of the oppressed.
Regrettably, this is a well-calculated, deliberate effort to lock Job Sikhala behind bars beyond the forthcoming elections.
</blockquote>
CCC insists Sikhala is a political prisoner and is facing trumped-up charges.
In September 2022, constitutional law expert Lovemore Madhuku suggested that political dialogue between CCC and ZANU PF will facilitate Sikhala’s release.
He said CCC’s refusal to talk with ZANU PF was behind Sikhala’s continued incarceration.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Job Sikhala Faces Fresh Charge

The opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party led by Nelson Chamisa has refuted claims it has abandoned jailed Zengeza West MP, Job Sikhala, who has been incarcerated at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison for 303 days.
CCC spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere told NewsDay on Wednesday that the notion that the party has turned its back on its vice chairman is mere propaganda. Said Mahere:
<blockquote>
The suggestion that the citizens have abandoned Honourable Sikhala is obviously propaganda. Nothing could be far from the truth.
Sikhala is a citizen just like all of us; he is a change champion who is at the forefront of working for the citizens in Zimbabwe. He remains one of us.
</blockquote>
Sikhala’s spokesperson, Freddy Michael Masarirevu, also said Chamisa made efforts to see Sikhala when he visited him at Chikurubi, saying it showed he loves the jailed lawmaker. Tweeted Masarirevu:
<blockquote>
I was at Chikurubhi the day CCiC @nelsonchamisa was made to wait for 4 hours &amp; still denied access to see Hon @JobSikhala1 – He was patient &amp; waited outside whilst phone calls were being made. I even left the place &amp; he remained behind – I see effort, I see love.
</blockquote>
Award-winning journalist and government critic Hopewell Chin’ono recently clashed with CCC activists on social media after he accused the party of abandoning Sikhala.
Meanwhile, an independent civic group, Poverty Liberation Movement, co-founded by Sikhala, is mobilising a solidarity visit to his family this Saturday. The group said:
<blockquote>
Those who are not able to physically bring their solidarity letters on Satur- day 15 April 2023, kindly send them through email. Our email is Povertyliberation@ gmail.com. Sikhala will be happy to read letters of encouragement from all of you.
</blockquote>
Sikhala was arrested in June 2022 for allegedly inciting public violence following clashes at the funeral wake of CCC activist Moreblessing Ali.
Ali, who was a Chitungwiza Municipality employee and resided in Nyatsime, was allegedly murdered by ZANU PF supporter, Pius Jamba.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

CCC Has Not Abandoned Job Sikhala - Mahere

<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Fadzayi_Mahere">Fadzayi Mahere</a>, the national spokesperson of the opposition <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Citizens%27_Coalition_for_Change">Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC)</a> has said <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Job_Sikhala">Job Sikhala’s</a> continued incarceration is a dark stain on Zimbabwe’s democracy.
She made the remarks hours after Harare regional magistrate Mrs Marehwanazvo Gofa Thursday ruled the Zengeza West Member of Parliament has a case to answer on charges of obstructing or defeating the course of justice.
Sikhala is being accused of hindering police investigations into the murder of <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Moreblessing_Ali">Moreblessing Ali</a> and the violence that ensued in the Nyatsime area in June 2022. 
Sikhala was arrested following the violence and has as of 17 March 2023 spent 276 days at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison. The courts have denied him bail on numerous occasions. 
In a Twitter post seen by Pindula News, Mahere said bail is a constitutional right. She said:
<blockquote>
Pane asipo [someone is missing]. If he was free, he’d be championing voter registration across the nation! We demand the release of @JobSikhala1 from detention. His continued incarceration is a dark stain on our democracy. Bail is a constitutional entitlement. He is innocent. #FreeWiwa
</blockquote>
Delivering judgement after the Sikhala applied for discharge at the close of the State’s representations Mrs Gofa said the lawmaker who is awaiting trial has a case to answer.
The magistrate said evidence before her, so far, shows that the politician has some explaining to make.
The CCC party says Sikhala’s detention is political in nature as it is aimed at frustrating the opposition party’s 2023 election campaign. 
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Sikhala's Continued Incarceration A Dark Stain On Our Democracy - Mahere

Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) vice chairman Job Sikhala on Tuesday refused to speak in court when he appeared before a Harare magistrate.
Sikhala, who is the Zengeza West MP, is accused of inciting public violence and obstructing the course of justice in connection with clashes that rocked Nyatsime following the murder of activist Moreblessing Ali in June 2022.
Sikhala’s trial commenced at Rotten Row without him being represented.
According to Sikhala’s spokesperson, Freddy Michael Masarurevu, his lawyers were in the High Court and the magistrate refused postponement arguing that it cannot work with the diary of the lawyers.
Sikhala refused to speak and the court entered a not guilty plea. Said Masarurevu:
<blockquote>
Drama at Rotten Row as Sikhala’s trial commences without him being represented. His legal practitioners were in the High Court &amp; the Court refused postponement arguing that it cannot work with the diary of the lawyers. Sikhala has refused to speak. Court has entered a not guilty plea.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Job Sikhala Refuses To Speak In Court

CCC leader Nelson Chamisa has rejected claims that he has abandoned jailed Zengeza West Member of Parliament Job Sikhala.
Addressing a press briefing in Harare on Thursday, Chamisa claimed that he has written to President Emmerson Mnangagwa several times to facilitate Sikhala’s release.
Sikhala has been in pre-trial detention since his arrest on 14 June 2022 for allegedly inciting public violence and obstructing justice.
Chamisa said he told Mnangagwa that Sikhala’s continued incarceration has harmed the image of the country. Said Chamisa:
<blockquote>
I have even made efforts to write severally to Mr. Mnangagwa to say deal with this Sikhala issue, it is embarrassing us internationally and nationally.
He has chosen not to respond. But I have written to him. I wrote to him in private conversations indicating to him what the issues are, but he did not respond.
I have heard people say that oh Mr. Chamisa is neglecting Sikhala, he is neglecting people. You don’t blame the
victim, the perpetrator is there.
My wallet has been stolen, instead of blaming me for being stupid, why don’t we together deal with this thief?
That’s where the problem is, do not blame the victim, don’t victimise the victim. I am equally as concerned and as worried.
</blockquote>
Chamisa said he has been blocked from visiting Sikhala at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison, and last saw him at the courts.
He said CCC is missing Sikhala’s hands-on approach in advancing the cause of the opposition party. Said Chamisa:
<blockquote>
He is a foot soldier and I would want him to be in the battalion for change. He is not there.
</blockquote>
Why is he not there? Because he has been incarcerated. Why has he been incarcerated? Because of trumped-up charges.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Chamisa Says He Engaged Mnangagwa For Sikhala's Release

The Harare Magistrates Court, just like any other government premises, is a hive of activity.
People from all walks of life visit the place for different reasons —some are complainants, some are accused, and others are relatives of both. 
The big billboard inside the premises says justice should always prevail, and more importantly, so does the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Constitution_of_Zimbabwe">Constitution of Zimbabwe</a>.
A few minutes after 8 am on a Monday morning things change rapidly.
Journalists, as well as alert police officers, rushed to an accused person —the former with cameras and the latter with button sticks. 
The accused, handcuffed and under very tight security, is Zengeza West Member of Parliament <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Job_Sikhala">Job Sikhala</a>, who is being accused of<a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/its-hard-for-us-to-accept-this-kind-of-cruelty-job-sikhala-jnr-on-his-fathers-detention/"> inciting public violence.</a>
Sikhala has been in jail for over 6 months and denied bail countless times.
The outspoken MP, when it comes to proceedings at the Harare Magistrates Court, is put in the same bracket as triple murder suspect <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Jaison_Muvevi">Jaison Muvhevhi.</a> Both are treated as dangerous criminals.
Muvhevi, whose <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/gunman-shoots-4-killing-officer-in-charge-wedza-prophet-and-another-person/">story</a> still shocks Zimbabweans, also arrives at the Harare Magistrates Court 20 minutes after Sikhala.
When the two are taken inside, everything returns to normal. It’s now suspects caught with drugs and illegal substances arriving one after the other. 
Job Sikhala’s son, 23-year-old Job Junior, is seen arriving with his siblings, gloomy-faced and holding a plastic bag containing popular fast food Chicken Inn, possibly for their father, who is reportedly not eating food in prison, fearing being poisoned.
Just before midday, Sikhala’s Gokwe-Nembudziya counterpart <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Justice_Mayor_Wadyajena">Justice Mayor Wadyajena</a> (ZANU PF), arrives.
Wadyajena is also an accused. He allegedly laundered money, US$ 5 million to be precise.
Like Sikhala, Wadyajena is also under the police’s watchful eye, the only difference is the law enforcement agents are not monitoring the ZANU PF legislator, they are star-struck by him.
He is clad in a slick blue suit, blue shirt, pink necktie and black shoes. 
“Honourable,” one of the police officers even shouts excitedly, to which Wadyajena waves.
Three hours later, Wadyajena is <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/wadyajena-cottco-managers-removed-from-remand/">acquitted,</a> and driven away in a Toyota Fortuner.
During that same time, Sikhala is taken back to jail again, to the dismay of his family and close friends, who had attended court in solidarity with the lawmaker.  
Norton MP, Temba Mliswa, <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/jail-is-now-for-the-poor-and-opposition-politicians-only-says-temba-mliswa-after-wadyajena-acquittal/">instantly reacts</a> to Wadyajena’s acquittal and Sikhala’s continued detention saying jail was<a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/jail-is-now-for-the-poor-and-opposition-politicians-only-says-temba-mliswa-after-wadyajena-acquittal/"> “now for the poor and opposition politicians only.”</a>
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Harare Magistrates Court: The Centre of Selective Application Of The Law?

Harare magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa has rejected an application by Zengeza West MP, Job Sikhala (MDC Alliance), to have his trial broadcast live.
Gofa ruled that Sikhala’s matter was of a private nature and not of public interest and therefore did not warrant live streaming. Said Gofa:
<blockquote>
There is no prejudice of live streaming as it was done between Nelson Chamisa (Citizens Coalition for Change leader) and President Emmerson Mnangangwa in the High Court because it was in the public interest and yours is of a private concern, hence your reason does not stand.
It is clear that live streaming can be done if the matter is of public interest and in this case, we are dealing with a case of one private issue and not of public interest.
We have to respect the decisions being made during court proceedings, hence live streaming is not ideal, hence my reasons for stating that the application is denied.
The fact that a court allows people to come and watch the trial is enough as no one is denied entry… The issue of journalists failing to cover the issue does not stand as there has not been any journalist who has been denied access.
</blockquote>
Sikhala will appear in court on 20 January. | <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200005976/court-shoots-down-sikhalas-live-broadcast-request">NewsDay</a>

Court Rejects Sikhala’s Live Broadcast Request

Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere has refuted a WhatsApp chat that had been attributed to her and an unnamed party official by pro-ZANU PF social media personalities.
Mahere said she did not write the WhatsApp message, and blamed ZANU PF activists for creating and propagating the message. Said Mahere:
<blockquote>
A fake WhatsApp message purporting to have been authored by me is circulating. Please note that this is Zanu PF propaganda in overdrive yet again. Disregard it. No amount of fake news and disinformation will stop political change whose time has come.
</blockquote>
The WhatsApp chat went viral after the Deputy Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet George Charamba posted a screenshot of the purported chat on Twitter.
Charamba captioned the screenshot with the words: “Job Sikhala thrown under the bus. We saw this long back and they are now confirming it themselves. They are provoked into sounding themselves out and they later leak the chats. Zvino muchatii nazvo?“
In a screenshot of the purported chat shared by Charamba, an unknown CCC member told Mahere that the party needed to do more for jailed party vice chairman Job Sikhala. Said the official:
<blockquote>
I think we need to do more for Hon Job Sikhala as a movement. Please find a way of convincing President Chamisa to do more demos to raise awareness about his case.
His incarceration is good for us as a party because hatina mamwe ma programs atirikuita. Vanhu vakutya kuita active vachitya kuzoraswa vava mutirongo.
Remember he committed that crime ari on Party duty. that’s my 2 cents please and that view is shared by many here in the UK.
</blockquote>
Mahere then purportedly responded saying Sikhala has been abandoned by the party because he is now working on his own project. It reads:
<blockquote>
Thank you for your concern but of late, that is no longer the position in the movement. Hon Sikhala has been working with Freddy Masarirevhu the so-called personal lawyer and family friend to undermine our efforts and those of President Chamisa.
The President once warned him publicly about his violent tendencies but as you know, his ambitions to lead the opposition with Tendai got the better of him.
All we can offer is solidarity and I have been consistent in doing so. However, our intelligence informed us he is now working on his own project from prison.
That is why he is falsely accusing us of wanting to poison him. As the Spokesperson of the movement, I feel I have done my part and will continue to do so for the sake of the public but truth be told, he has chosen separate ways.
</blockquote>
Sikhala was arrested together with more than a dozen other activists for allegedly inciting violence in Nyatsime in June 2022 following the murder of party member Moreblessing Ali.
The other CCC activists have since been granted bail by the courts.

"It's Fake", Mahere Speaks Out On Purported Leaked WhatsApp Chats

A ZANU PF official has called for tighter security around jailed Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) vice chairman Job Sikhala who has been in pre-trial detention since June 2022.
ZANU PF Director for Information, Tafadzwa Mugwadi, said Sikhala should be protected after the jailed Zengeza West MP recently accused some of his allies of trying to bring him poisoned food. Said Mugwadi:
<blockquote>
The State should increase security for Job Sikhala1 following his expression of real fears of danger from his peers in CCC.
Counter-killing in opposition is real but always finds a scapegoat in blaming the Zanu PF. The hypocrites he refers to are his rivals in CCC.
</blockquote>
In his New Year’s message sent to Zimbabweans from Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison, Sikhala intimated that CCC was infested by sellouts and hypocrites who want him dead. He wrote:
<blockquote>
The University of Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison has revealed to me treacherous hypocrites, sellouts, colluders with my persecution, and opportunists trying to capitalise on the predicament of the moment for cheap political and financial gain from my tormentors.
Some wished me dead. I am sick. Please, they must then pray for my death.
Some plotted schemes to destroy me by spreading false intelligence given to them by their handlers and are dabbling in rumoUr mongering and getting into deals to the extent of carrying poisoned food to deliver it with a friendly smile. I am aware of all their shenanigans.
… With respect, prison teaches one to distinguish real and true friends on the one hand and hypocrites on the other.
It opened me and exorcised from me some fallacies and falsehoods I had about some people around me.
It made me discover that my sincere, genuine and eternal friends are the masses and people of Zimbabwe, cutting across all classes and professions, domestically and in the diaspora.
The passion of their roars and bellows I hear on a daily basis is amazing and extraordinary.
A million kisses of love my dearest friends. Your sharing of pain with me is historic.
</blockquote>
Sikhala was arrested together with more than a dozen other activists for allegedly inciting violence in Nyatsime in June 2022 following the murder of party member Moreblessing Ali.
The other CCC activists have since been granted bail by the courts. | <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/zanu-pf-wades-into-ccc-feud-calls-for-more-security-around-sikhala/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>

ZANU PF Calls For More Security Around CCC's Job Sikhala

High Court judge Justice Samuel Deme on Wednesday rejected a fresh bail appeal by jailed Zengeza West MP Job Sikhala (MDC Alliance).
Sikhala has been in jail since his arrest on 14 June 2022 on charges of inciting public violence.
He was arrested after violent protests at the memorial service for slain Moreblessing Ali, a Chitungwiza Municipality employee linked to CCC whose body was found in a disused well in Nyatsime.
Justice Deme threw out Sikhala’s bail appeal without giving reasons.
He said the full reasons for the court decision would be made available in due course.
Sikhala has successively been denied bail by both the Magistrates Court and High Court on grounds that he would re-offend, as he has on many occasions been arrested on similar allegations but has never been convicted.
The CCC vice chairman claims his arrests are politically motivated as he has been a vocal critic of successive ZANU PF-led governments over the past two decades.
In fact, Sikhala has been arrested more than 60 times and has never been convicted.

High Court Rejects Job Sikhala's Bail Appeal, No Reasons Were Given

Jailed CCC vice chairman Job Sikhala on Tuesday filed an application to have his trial broadcast live when he appeared before Harare magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa.
Sikhala’s lawyer, Jeremiah Bamu, submitted that having his client’s trial broadcast live is meant to vindicate the interests of the public. Said Bamu:
<blockquote>
This way, the trial will be done in a fair manner and it will be a public trial and our reasons for this application are that it is meant to vindicate the interests of the public.
There is no other court or person that can come and tell you to allow or reject this decision because you are the one who is overseeing this trial proceeding and you also have an obligation to protect and give effect to members of the public who are entitled to freedom of information and who also have a right to have public access to what will take place in court and in the trial.
This request will also allow members of the family to be detailed about the ongoing proceedings in this case as this comes as a request from the accused’s children who are overseas and are not able to attend the trial.
There is no prejudice at all as this application will not cause any interference and will not be any expense to anyone and will not interfere with prosecutorial order.
We will also like to add to the requests and submit that the media be allowed to use their gadgets during the trial so as to even do their very own live feed.
</blockquote>
Magistrate Gofa was on Wednesday expected to make a ruling on the application.
Sikhala has been in prison since his arrest on 14 June 2022 on a charge of incitement to public violence. | <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200005724/sikhala-wants-trial-broadcast-live">NewsDay</a>

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