Sikhala’s application for discharge dismissed

By TREVOR MUTSVAIRO | Oct. 23, 2023 | 1 Min read

Sikhala was represented by Harrison Nkomo and Jeremiah Bhamu.

HARARE magistrate Vongai Guriro Muchuchuti has dismissed an application for discharge by incarcerated Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) activist Job Sikhala indicating that the accused has a case to answer

Sikhala was represented by Harrison Nkomo and Jeremiah Bhamu.

In her ruling, Guriro Muchuchuti said the video clip showed that Sikhala was present when the alleged public incitement was made. She pointed out that the court had assessed all evidence from the witness and it was not logical to argue that the utterances by Sikhala on the video had no intentions to cause public violence.

She also ruled that one cannot say that Sikhala was not in the video or that the voice was not his.

Allegations are that on August 21, 2020 the police arrested Sikhala for allegedly inciting people to commit public violence by participating in a protest march which was aimed at registering concern over alleged mismanagement by President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government.

The police also pressed an alternative charge against Sikhala of inciting public violence.

It is alleged that the former Zengeza West legislator incited people between May and July 2020 to participate in demonstrations that would cause public violence and breach of peace among Zimbabweans by posting video clips with messages inciting violence.

The court also heard that Sikhala allegedly summoned Zimbabweans outside the country to participate in the demonstration which was scheduled for July 31, 2020.