Sikhala applies for exception to charge

The trial of MDC deputy chair and Zengeza West legislator, Job Sikhala, who is facing treason charges, kicked off yesterday at the Masvingo High Court, with his lawyers applying for exception to the charge, arguing that his utterances do not constitute a crime.

Sikhala is being accused of contravening section 22(2)(a)(iii) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act after he allegedly uttered the words, “We will overthrow president Mnangagwa before 2023” at a campaign rally ahead of a by-election in Bikita last year.

He is out on $5 000 bail.

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