News / National
Sikhala, Sithole discharge bid flops
27 Oct 2023 at 13:47hrs | Views
Job Sikhala and Godfrey Sithole, prominent figures within the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), have been compelled to prepare their defense in a court of law. This decision follows the dismissal of their application for acquittal by Harare magistrate Tafadzwa Miti on Friday. Both Sikhala and Sithole are currently facing charges related to incitement to public violence.
The charges against them stem from their alleged involvement in inciting public sentiment in response to the gruesome murder of CCC activist Moreblessing Ali in May of the previous year. Ali's dismembered remains were discovered in an abandoned well 18 days after her disappearance, and her murder was attributed to purported supporters of the ruling Zanu-PF party.
Job Sikhala, who has been detained in remand prison without bail since June of the previous year, had been serving as legal counsel for the deceased activist's family. Sikhala's charges are linked to a social media video in which he called for justice to be served in Ali's case.
The court concluded that the prosecution had successfully presented a prima facie case against the two politicians from Chitungwiza, indicating that there was ample evidence to proceed to trial. The court highlighted that during the trial, it became evident that two witnesses had observed Sikhala and Sithole heading towards Nyatsime, where the incident transpired. Consequently, the accused were required to provide an explanation for the statements made in the video.
The court stated, "The court is firmly convinced that the State has managed to establish a prima facie case. The court is rejecting the accused's application for acquittal. The accused are now obligated to present their defense."
The defense hearing is slated to commence on November 20, 2023. While Sithole was granted bail after their arrest on June 14 of the prior year, Sikhala's prolonged detention without bail has become a focal point for opposition groups and human rights organizations advocating for justice for political detainees in a nation characterized by the persecution of government critics.
Amnesty International, a global human rights organization, has recently called on Zimbabwean authorities to cease the practice of exploiting the legal system to target opposition figures and ordinary citizens.
CCC leader Nelson Chamisa has also implored the international community to endorse the unconditional release of the prominent politician, Job Sikhala, and to amplify the voices of his party in their call for justice.
The charges against them stem from their alleged involvement in inciting public sentiment in response to the gruesome murder of CCC activist Moreblessing Ali in May of the previous year. Ali's dismembered remains were discovered in an abandoned well 18 days after her disappearance, and her murder was attributed to purported supporters of the ruling Zanu-PF party.
Job Sikhala, who has been detained in remand prison without bail since June of the previous year, had been serving as legal counsel for the deceased activist's family. Sikhala's charges are linked to a social media video in which he called for justice to be served in Ali's case.
The court concluded that the prosecution had successfully presented a prima facie case against the two politicians from Chitungwiza, indicating that there was ample evidence to proceed to trial. The court highlighted that during the trial, it became evident that two witnesses had observed Sikhala and Sithole heading towards Nyatsime, where the incident transpired. Consequently, the accused were required to provide an explanation for the statements made in the video.
The defense hearing is slated to commence on November 20, 2023. While Sithole was granted bail after their arrest on June 14 of the prior year, Sikhala's prolonged detention without bail has become a focal point for opposition groups and human rights organizations advocating for justice for political detainees in a nation characterized by the persecution of government critics.
Amnesty International, a global human rights organization, has recently called on Zimbabwean authorities to cease the practice of exploiting the legal system to target opposition figures and ordinary citizens.
CCC leader Nelson Chamisa has also implored the international community to endorse the unconditional release of the prominent politician, Job Sikhala, and to amplify the voices of his party in their call for justice.
Source - zimlive
