After lengthy stay in remand, Sikhala poised for freedom

Former opposition legislators Job Sikhala and Godfrey Sithole are poised to be released from lengthy remand after a Harare magistrate on Tuesday handed them a wholly suspended two-year jail sentence for their conviction for inciting public violence.

The duo was found guilty of inciting public violence in Nyatsime in 2022 following the murder of Moreblessing Ali, whom they claimed to have been a member of their party, the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC).

They accused the ruling Zanu-PF party of being behind the killing, prompting deadly clashes in which property – including shops, vehicles and homes – were damaged extensively.

It turned out, however, that Ali was murdered by her boyfriend in a crime of passion.

Sikhala and Sithole were convicted by Harare magistrate Tafadzwa Miti, and given suspended sentences.

The duo had been detained at Chikurubi Maximum Prison since 2022 pending the outcome of the case, the latest in a series Sikhala has faced over the years.

In the case, the two encouraged CCC supporters to avenge Ali’s murder, and hired lorries to ferry people from Epworth and other surrounding areas in Chitungwiza to Nyatsime where the clashes took place.

New Ziana