Mnangagwa urged to soften his heart and release Sikhala

MDC-T chairman Morgen Komichi has implored President Emmerson Mnangagwa to release Job Sikhala, a detained member of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), who has languished in pretrial detention for more than a year.

Komichi made this plea following his visit to the incarcerated former legislator at Chikurubi Maximum Prison on Monday.

Sikhala has been behind bars since June 14th of the previous year when he was apprehended, along with other CCC activists, on charges of allegedly inciting public violence in the aftermath of the murder of Moreblessing Ali, reportedly by a suspected Zanu-PF supporter. Sikhala was representing Ali's family when he was detained, a move that the opposition claims was politically motivated.

"Zimbabwe is a multi-party democracy that accommodates opposition parties. Opposition members should not be treated as if they were violent criminals. Mnangagwa should demonstrate compassion and permit Sikhala to be granted bail so that he can await trial while at home. I am appealing to Mnangagwa to exhibit leadership and allow Sikhala to be granted bail," stated Komichi.

In the meantime, in May of this year, Sikhala was found guilty of obstruction of justice and is currently facing additional charges related to incitement of violence and disorderly conduct.

The opposition, as well as the regional and international communities, have condemned Sikhala's prolonged incarceration, which has resulted in his being denied bail on multiple occasions.

Human rights advocates have also expressed concern about the alleged politicization of the judiciary by the ruling party to stifle dissenting voices.