News / Local
Jonathan Moyo says Sikhala's arrest stinks of 'heartless vindictiveness,'
01 Nov 2023 at 05:59hrs | Views
Professor Jonathan Moyo has criticized the continued incarceration of former Member of Parliament (MP) Job Sikhala, describing it as "heartless vindictiveness" and warning of the potential for uncontrollable incidents in Zimbabwe.
Sikhala has been in pre-trial detention for over 500 days after being arrested on charges of inciting violence in June of the previous year. All attempts to secure his release on bail have been unsuccessful.
In a post on X, Moyo expressed his concern about Sikhala's prolonged detention, labeling it "cruel and unusual punishment." He accused those responsible of showing "heartless vindictiveness." He also questioned why Sikhala's lawyers had not yet approached the Constitutional Court for his bail.
Sikhala was arrested on allegations that he encouraged his followers to seek justice for the murdered Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) activist Moreblessing Ali, who was killed by a Zanu-PF supporter for promoting CCC President Nelson Chamisa in an area traditionally aligned with the ruling party.
Moyo stressed the need for Sikhala to be granted bail, citing the risk of potential collateral damage and stating that it would be an expression of the justice Sikhala deserves. Sikhala marked his 51st birthday while behind bars, missing important family events and facing health issues, while his family is reportedly struggling financially.
Sikhala has been in pre-trial detention for over 500 days after being arrested on charges of inciting violence in June of the previous year. All attempts to secure his release on bail have been unsuccessful.
In a post on X, Moyo expressed his concern about Sikhala's prolonged detention, labeling it "cruel and unusual punishment." He accused those responsible of showing "heartless vindictiveness." He also questioned why Sikhala's lawyers had not yet approached the Constitutional Court for his bail.
Sikhala was arrested on allegations that he encouraged his followers to seek justice for the murdered Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) activist Moreblessing Ali, who was killed by a Zanu-PF supporter for promoting CCC President Nelson Chamisa in an area traditionally aligned with the ruling party.
Moyo stressed the need for Sikhala to be granted bail, citing the risk of potential collateral damage and stating that it would be an expression of the justice Sikhala deserves. Sikhala marked his 51st birthday while behind bars, missing important family events and facing health issues, while his family is reportedly struggling financially.
Source - NewZimbabwe
