A HARARE Magistrate has turned down an application by Zengeza West legislator Job Sikhala to have his trial broadcast live.
Magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa said Sikhala’s matter was not of national interest to warrant live streaming.
“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 on public interests and yours is of a private concern, hence your reason does not stand,” Gofa said.
“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.”
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It also emerged in court that Sikhala was not feeling well and his lawyers pleaded to have Sikhala excused from attending court for the next two weeks to allow him to recover.
According to his lawyers, Sikhala went for a medical check-up over the weekend.
The request was granted, and Sikhala will appear in court on January 20.