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Harare magistrate Tafadzwa Miti has handed down suspended jail sentences of two years to Job Sikhala and Godfrey Sithole. The two individuals <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2024/01/24/job-sikhala-and-godfrey-sithole-found-guilty-of-public-violence-incitement/">were found guilty of inciting public violence</a> during the funeral wake of Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) activist Moreblessing Ali.
Magistrate Miti stated that she suspended the sentence after considering that Sikhala had spent considerable time in prison in pre-trial detention.
As a result of this judgment, Sikhala, who has been in prison since June 14, 2022, is set to be released.
Sithole, on the other hand, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2022/11/10/ccc-mp-godfrey-sithole-granted-bail-149-days-later/">had been detained for 149 days</a> before being released on bail on November 10, 2022. The Chitungwiza North Member of Parliament (MP) was granted bail of $300,000 and was ordered to report to Chitungwiza Police Station twice a week, as well as surrender his passport, as part of his bail conditions.
Sikhala has consistently maintained that his arrest was politically motivated and that he did not commit any crime. He argued that he was being punished for confronting the ruling ZANU PF party. Some analysts argued that he was imprisoned to ensure that he did not campaign for his party, CCC, in the past elections. Zimbabwe held harmonised elections on 23-24 August 2023. Sikhala has lost his Parliamentary post since he did not participate in the elections. He was an MP for Zengeza West.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Pindula News

Job Sikhala And Godfrey Sithole Handed Wholly Suspended 2-year Jail Sentences

<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2024/01/24/job-sikhala-and-godfrey-sithole-found-guilty-of-public-violence-incitement/">The recent conviction</a> of Job Sikhala and Godfrey Sithole for incitement of public violence has generated diverse reactions. The duo was found guilty when it appeared before Harare magistrate Tafadzwa Miti on January 24, 2024. Pre-sentencing hearing has been scheduled for January 29 for Sikhala and Sithole’s lawyers to persuade he court to issue a less severe sentence. 
The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPA) confirmed Job Sikhala’s conviction and announced the subsequent hearing. In a brief statement issued shortly after the conviction, the NPA said:
<blockquote>
Job Sikhala has been convicted of inciting public violence. The case has been postponed to Monday the 29th of January 2024 for a pre-sentencing hearing at the Harare Magistrates Court.
</blockquote>
Morgen Komichi, a senior official in the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), called for public attendance on the sentencing day, highlighting the significant support Sikhala received during the trial.
Journalist Hopewell Chin’ono said he was not surprised by the verdict, viewing it as political persecution by the current regime. He said:
<blockquote>
As expected, the regime has convicted Job Sikhala of inciting public violence! His defence lawyers will argue their mitigation points on the 29th of January. This is just persecution of political opponents by this deplorable regime! It also means that Job Sikhala will remain in jail until the day of sentencing when he will know whether he will be released on account of bail time served or whether the regime will continue persecuting him. 
</blockquote>
Clifton, a Twitter user, shared a similar sentiment, claiming that the magistrate, Tafadzwa Miti, had previously referred to Sikhala as an incorrigible criminal, despite the fact that he had not been convicted before. Clifton said:
<blockquote>
I’m not surprised that Tafadzwa Miti who is basically a Zanupf activist masquerading as a magistrate decided that Job Sikhala was guilty. This is the same person who once called Sikhala an incorrigible criminal and yet he had never been convicted of any crime.
</blockquote>
Another Twitter user, Benard Marima, suggested executive interference, speculating that Sikhala’s comments criticiing President Mnangagwa’s family had influenced the judges’ decision to keep him in jail. Marima said:
<blockquote>
The biggest issue here is that Job Sikhala said “Zimbabwe doesn’t belong to Mnangagwa’s mom,it belongs to all Zimbabweans,That video was played to mnangagwa and he was so furious. So all thoz judges as instructed they have no choice bt to keep skhala in jail. Zvinotaurwa
</blockquote>
Public reactions on social media showcased a mix of empathy, frustration, and calls for justice. Many expressed sympathy for Sikhala and his family, emphasizing the need for change in the country. Some users questioned the fairness of the justice system and its treatment of political opponents, while others saw the conviction as an attack on democracy and human rights. The case has drawn attention to the issue of politicians being criminalized in Zimbabwe, with calls to free political prisoners and ensure a fair justice system.
<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a>

Reactions To Job Sikhala And Godfrey Sithole's Conviction For Incitement Of Public Violence

Former Zengeza West Member of Parliament (MP), Job ‘Wiwa’ Sikhala and Chitungwiza North MP Godfrey Sithole Karakadzayi have been found guilty of pubic violence incitement.
They appeared before a Harare magistrate Tafadzwa Miti on Wednesday 24 January 2024. Their lawyers have requested to present their side of the story and explain any mitigating circumstances on January 29. Mitigation is a process where they can provide reasons or arguments to lessen the severity of their punishment. After the mitigation, the court will proceed with the sentencing, which will determine the consequences for their actions.
According to the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23 of Zimbabwe, anyone found guilty of incitement to commit public violence can be sentenced to a maximum of ten years in prison. The court may also consider aggravating factors, such as the scale and consequences of the violence incited, which could result in a more severe sentence.
Sikhala and Sithole who are senior officials in the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) have been in prison since 14 June 2022 for allegedly inciting public violence that erupted during the funeral wake of slain CCC activist, Moreblessing Ali.
They have been at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison without a trial. While Sithole was released on bail last year, Sikhala has been denied bail many times. Sikhala who has been a vocal advocate for justice, believes he is a political prisoner who is being punished for confronting the ruling ZANU PF party on numerous occasions. Despite facing numerous arrests, he has not been convicted. 
Journalist Hopewell Chin’ono with whom he once shared a cell at Chikurubi, says the living conditions in Chikurubi Maximum Prison, where Sikhala is held, are dire. Chin’ono highlighted that there is a lack of running water, proper sanitation, and suitable food for the prisoners. He said international attention and pressure are needed to address these issues and ensure fair trials and respect for human rights. He urges Zimbabweans to stand with Sikhala’s family. Chin’ono also said the opposition political actors must find better strategies to ensure that all citizens are safe from political persecution, corrupt leadership, misuse of government organizations, exploitation of the nation’s resources, and stealing of public money. 
Government authorities have previously stated that Sikhala’s ongoing detention is justified based on the crimes he is accused of committing. They insist that there is no interference from the executive branch in the judiciary’s handling of the case.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Job Sikhala And Godfrey Sithole Found Guilty Of Public Violence Incitement

Former Member of Parliament for Zengeza, Job Sikhala, on Wednesday, stood to defend himself on alleged violence incitement as his defence hearing commenced before Harare magistrate Tafadzwa Miti, reported <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/sikhala-taunts-prosecutors-for-embarrassing-bid-to-pin-violence-charges-on-him/">ZimLive</a>.
The former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) lawmaker is jointly charged with Chitungwiza North MP, Godfrey Sithole (CCC).
Sikhala and Sithole are accused of inciting public violence in the Nyatsime area following the gruesome murder of CCC activist Moreblessing Ali in Nyatsime in May last year.
The state bases its evidence on a video image of Sikhala demanding justice for the slain activist.
Sikhala allegedly captured and published the video with local media.
The two politicians had their application for discharge dismissed recently after the court ruled they had a case to answer.
On Wednesday, Sikhala accused prosecutors of incompetence in handling the case, saying no one from the publication testified when the state led evidence into his trial. He said:
<blockquote>
They failed to produce any iota of evidence. I’ve been in a lot of cases in this court, but I have never come across such embarrassing evidence like the one that was produced by the State in this case.
I was expecting the State to prove through their witnesses the evidence that I had posted any video which they failed to do with their four witnesses.
</blockquote>
Sikhala singled out Gift Mutara, the Investigating Officer in his case, saying he failed to produce evidence to prove the case. He said:
<blockquote>
During his testimony and cross-examination, he was asked to produce that evidence and he said he did have it before this court.
</blockquote>
Sikhala also rejected allegations that he ferried mourners to the Nyatsime area. He said:
<blockquote>
The allegations that I supplied transport to people in Nyatsime are the lies the State has been peddling in this court.
That’s why we made an application for the entire outline to be expunged from the record because none of the witnesses could support it.
</blockquote>
The trial will continue on 19 December 2023. Sikhala has been in remand prison since June 2022 and is being charged with inciting public violence to avenge Ali‘s murder.
Sikhala and Sithole are being represented by Harrison Nkomo, Jeremiah Bhamu and Oliver Marwa.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

State Has No Witnesses - Sikhala

Chitungwiza North MP, Godfrey Sithole (CCC), says suspected state security agents have been trailing him in an effort to intimidate him.
Sithole told <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/thestandard/news/article/200007352/mp-hounded-by-stalkers">The Standard</a> that he has been receiving strange visitors at his home “on a daily basis”. He said:
<blockquote>
I have noticed that there are people who are monitoring and following me just like a hawk does its prey.
We have been receiving strange visitors at my residential place purporting to be lost and some asking funny questions, on a daily basis.
It is not a coincidence, they are being sent.
I have also noticed that cars without registration numbers are following me and others are parking nearby.
In this country, we have a situation whereby security agents and government institutions declare that they only take orders from seniors, not recognising the law, and trashing their constitutional duties.
Professionalism and respect were lost due to crass political opportunism.
</blockquote>
Sithole was arrested in June 2022 alongside Zengeza West MP Job Sikhala (MDC Alliance) after political violence rocked Nyatsime following the murder of Moreblessing Ali, a CCC activist.
The two legislators were detained alongside 14 other Nyatsime residents charged with inciting public violence.
Sithole and the Nyatsime 14 were granted bail in November but Sikhala remains in pre-trial detention.

CCC MP Godfrey Sithole Says "Hawks" Are Stalking Him

Fourteen Nyatsime community members were on Tuesday granted bail in a case they are being accused of inciting the 14 June violence which erupted during the funeral wake of slain Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) activist, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Moreblessing_Ali">Moreblessing Ali.</a>
Meanwhile, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Zengeza West, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Job_Sikhala">Job Sikhala</a> and Felix Biri are still detained five (5) months later. The CCC issued an update on the case:
<blockquote>
FREE SIKHALA &amp; BIRI: 14 members of the Nyatsime community were on Tuesday granted bail after spending more than 5 months in prison without trial. Only @JobSikhala1 &amp; Felix Biri are yet to be freed. Bail is a constitutional right. #FreeWiwa #FreeBiri 
</blockquote>
The release comes barely a week after another CCC MP for Chitungwiza North, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Godfrey_Sithole">Godfrey Sithole</a> had been granted bail.
His party condemned the prolonged detention saying when it gets into power, a person is innocent until proven guilty not vice versa “like what we’re currently experiencing under Mr Mnangagwa’s regime.”
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Nyatsime 14 Granted Bail, Job Sikhala, Felix Biri Still Detained

Chitungwiza North MP, Godfrey Sithole (CCC), considers himself lucky not to have been infected with various diseases at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison owing to poor living conditions.
In an exclusive interview with <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/thestandard/news/article/200003508/sikhala-pal-relives-duos-prison-horror">The Standard</a>, Sithole said the conditions at Chikurubi are inhumane. He said:
<blockquote>
If you see that the conditions of the whole country generally are very bad, just imagine what it means for Chikurubi, it’s bound to be worse.
The food is pathetic, prisoners get food that is not nutritious, and the vegetables that we were given had no cooking oil, no salt, and other basic ingredients that ensure people have a healthy and balanced diet.
At Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison, they do not have enough blankets, it’s a crisis and people are just congested.
You can have 40 people in a cell designed for 15 people at Chikurubi; their disaster preparedness programme is in shambles.
As you are aware, last year a prominent prisoner Martin Gumbura died of COVID-19 at Chikurubi.
</blockquote>
Sithole was arrested on 14 June 2022 in connection with the violence that took place in Nyatsime at the funeral of slain CCC activist Moreblessing Ali and he spent 149 days in pre-trial detention.
He was charged with incitement to public violence alongside fellow MP Job Sikhala and 14 other Nyatsime residents who are still in remand prison despite several attempts to apply for bail.
However, <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/murdered-moreblessing-alis-family-living-in-hiding/">a local ZANU PF councillor, Masimbi Masimbi, who allegedly incited violence in Nyatsime, has not been arrested</a> and the Ali family has demanded that he should be prosecuted.

"Prison Conditions Are Very Bad," Says CCC MP Godfrey Sithole

Zengeza West MP Job Sikhala (MDC Alliance) was on Wednesday denied bail a sixth time by a Harare magistrate.
Harare magistrate Taurai Manuwere ruled that there were no changed circumstances from the last time Sikhala was denied his freedom.
Sikhala is accused of obstructing justice for allegedly recording a video threatening the murderers of CCC activist Moreblessing Ali.
He is also charged with inciting public violence under the same facts.
Sikhala told the magistrate that the public mood was that he should be released, citing an online petition signed by over 40 000 people.
However, Manuwere ruled that public feelings had no bearing on bail, adding that the defence had offered nothing to prove that Sikhala would not re-offend or abscond, which are the reasons bail was denied. Said Manuwere:
<blockquote>
The courts are independent. The constitution declares that in making a decision, a member of the judiciary may not be swayed by fear of criticism and must not be swayed by fear and partisan perceptions.
I refuse to be swayed by public perception,and opinion and the application is dismissed.
</blockquote>
In the incitement case, he is jointly charged with Godfrey Sithole (CCC), the MP for Chitungwiza North.
Sikhala and Sithole are being held without bail at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison.
Their trial on the incitement charge is set to commence on 15 November. | <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/2022/10/job-sikhala-denied-bail-a-sixth-time/">ZimLive</a>

Job Sikhala Denied Bail A Sixth Time

The Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) says CCC leader Nelson Chamisa is free to visit party activists and legislators Job Sikhala and Godfrey Sithole who have been in pre-trial detention since June.
Through his lawyers, Shava Law Chambers, Chamisa had earlier given ZPCS Commissioner General, Moses Chihobvu, a 24-hour ultimatum to explain why he had been denied permission to visit the CCC activists who were arrested and detained for allegedly inciting public violence in Nyatsime in June.
In a letter directed to Chamisa’s lawyers, ZPCS said Chamisa is free to visit the MPs and CCC activists but with some restrictions. ZPCS said:
<blockquote>
Please be advised that authority has been granted for your client Mr Nelson Chamisa to visit members of his political party incarcerated in our prisons.
The approval for your client Mr Nelson Chamisa was given with some restrictions. He is required to notify the officer in charge of his intended visit in advance and the specific times.
He shall not chant slogans anywhere near the prisons and is forbidden from addressing any persons anywhere near the prisons.
… You may liaise with the respective officers in charge who may place further restrictions in the interests of good order and security.
Further, a prisoner shall not be visited by more than three visitors at one visit and the visit shall not last longer than thirty minutes.
</blockquote>
Before ZPCS’s response, Chamisa had been barred from visiting Sithole and Sikhala and the Nyatsime 14 but MDC-T leader Douglas Mwonzora was recently given access to see them.
Sikhala and Sithole, however, refused to meet Mwonzora, according to a spokesperson, Freddy Michael Masarirevu. | <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/prisons-boss-gives-in-to-chamisas-demands-for-sikhala-visit-sets-stringent-conditions-no-chanting-of-slogans-public-addresses/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>

Prisons Boss Accedes To Chamisa’s Demands For Sikhala Visit

Opposition CCC leader Nelson Chamisa has given the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) a 24-hour ultimatum to explain why he has been blocked from visiting party activists as well as lawmakers Job Sikhala and Godfrey Sithole who have been in pre-trial detention since June.
Chamisa’s lawyers, Shava Law Chambers, wrote a letter to ZPCS Commissioner General, Moses Chihobvu, asking why Chamisa has been denied permission to visit the CCC activists who were arrested and detained for allegedly inciting public violence in Nyatsime in June. The letter reads in part:
<blockquote>
Our client advises that on divers occasions, he attempted to visit these individuals at both Harare remand and Chikurubi Maximum prisons, respectively, but upon arrival, he was denied access.
He (Chamisa) was advised by the prison guards that he was specifically barred from visiting anyone in prison detention without your written permission.
The basis for this requirement could not be easily ascertained from these guards.
</blockquote>
Chamisa has been barred from visiting Sithole and Sikhala but MDC-T leader Douglas Mwonzora was recently given access to see the duo.
Sikhala and Sithole, however, refused to meet Mwonzora, according to a spokesperson, Freddy Michael Masarirevu. Chamisa’s lawyers further argued:
<blockquote>
In terms of Zimbabwean laws, any person who is detained, including a convicted prisoner, has a right to communicate with, and be visited by a relative or anyone else of their choice, subject to reasonable restrictions which may be imposed for the proper administration of prisons or places of detention.
Further, a careful perusal of your prison policies would reveal that there is only a single category of visitors that are not allowed visit, these are those in need of conjugal rights.
Our client does not fall in that bracket and as such he ought to have been allowed to visit the aforementioned individuals.
</blockquote>
| <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/chamisa-gives-prisons-boss-24-hr-ultimatum-to-explain-refusal-of-access-to-mps-jailed-sikhala-sithole/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>

Chamisa Gives Prisons Boss 24-hr Ultimatum

Opposition MPs Job Sikhala and Godfrey Sithole are now worried about their safety after prison officials at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison considered sending MDC-T leader Douglas Mwonzora to their cells against their expressed wishes.
This was said by the duo’s spokesman, Freddy Michael Masarirevu in a statement issued on Sunday, 16 October 2022.
Masarirevu disputed Mwonzora’s claims on Saturday he had met Sikhala, Sithole and the other 14 CCC activists from Nyatsime who have been in pre-trial detention since June on charges ranging from inciting violence to public violence.
He said prison officials tried desperately to facilitate a meeting between Mwonzora and Sikhala yet the same officials have barred CCC leader Nelson Chamisa from visiting his colleagues. Wrote Masarirevu:
<blockquote>
Hon. Sikhala and Hon. Sithole want the public to know that on the 14th of October 2022, they were advised that Senator Douglas Mwonzora intended to visit them. 
This information came through the prison security team. The two declined the request and gave the officials their reasons, which were communicated on that very same day. 
On Saturday the 15th of October 2022, the same senior prison security officials came, informing them that Sen. Mwonzora had come to visit them, despite their express statement declining the request. 
Hon. Sikhala and Hon. Sithole again refused and opted to remain in their cells whilst Sen. Mwonzora waited outside the gate. 
Some prison officials confirmed today that Sen. Mwonzora did not even make it to the second gate. There are five gates one has to pass through to be able to see inmates.
It is very sad and unfortunate that a person as senior and learned as Sen. Mwnonzora would mislead the public into thinking that he met Hon. Sikhala and Hon. Sithole in prison. 
His public statement which he issued to members of the press whom he went with to Chikurubi Maximum claiming to have met both Hon. Sikhala and Hon. Sithole is therefore incorrect and should be dismissed with uttermost contempt. 
Hon. Sikhala and Hon. Sithole are very angry at some senior officials at Chikurubi for wanting to impose a visit on them. 
The security officials even made a suggestion that Sen. Mwonzora be allowed to come directly to their cells and guarantee privacy, a request that was turned down. 
As much as the gesture is appreciated, the Honourable MPs wonder why Sen. Mwonzora invited members of the press to come with him if the visit was genuine. 
Secondly, why would he even insist on visiting them when they had made it clear that they were not comfortable meeting him? 
The two are also questioning why officials allowed Sen. Mwonzora permission to visit them yet a similar request was denied for President Nelson Chamisa. 
The two are now worried and concerned about their welfare and security.
</blockquote>

Job Sikhala Living In Fear After Mwonzora Visit

Opposition <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Citizens%27_Coalition_for_Change">Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC)</a> national spokesperson, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Fadzayi_Mahere">Fadzayi Mahere</a> has accused the ZANU PF government of weaponising the law to attack political opponents.
She speaks as dozens of CCC activists including Members of Parliament <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Job_Sikhala">Job Sikhala</a> (Zengeza West) and <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Godfrey_Sithole">Godfrey Sithole</a> (Chitungwiza North) are in jail for “political reasons” according to their party.
They were arrested in June over the 14 June Nyatsime violence that erupted during the funeral wake of slain CCC activist <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Moreblessing_Ali">Moreblessing Ali</a>.
In a Twitter post seen by Pindula News, advocate Mahere said the detentions were a sign that the ZANU PF government was “dying.” She said:
<blockquote>
Say their names. Detention without trial has no place in a democratic society. Silencing opponents by throwing them in jail is the biggest sign of a dying regime. Stop weaponizing the law to attack political opponents.
</blockquote>
Critics say the arrests are meant to silence the opposition.
Meanwhile, the ruling party has always denied the allegations saying the judiciary is independent.
A few weeks ago, constitutional expert and leader of the opposition<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/National_Constitutional_Assembly"> National Constitutional Assembly (NCA)</a>, Professor <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Lovemore_Madhuku">Lovemore Madhuku</a>, claimed that Sikhala and colleagues were <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2022/09/06/madhuku-says-sikhala-sithole-nyatsime-activists-are-victims-of-their-parties-refusal-to-dialogue-with-ed/">victims of their party’s refusal to dialogue with president Emmerson Mnangagwa.</a>
His remarks were viewed, by the CCC, as proof that Sikhala was a political prisoner. 
Information secretary, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Nick_Mangwana">Nick Mangwana</a>, however, said the <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/information-secretary-mangwana-says-the-president-cant-go-into-conflict-with-courts/">president would not interfere with the courts.</a>
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

Mahere Says Govt Should "Stop Weaponizing The Law To Attack Political Opponents"

The wife of Zengeza West MP Job Sikhala (CCC) was arrested on Tuesday over an alleged traffic offence while visiting her husband who is jailed at Harare’s Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison.
CCC interim spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere said according to Sikhala’s family lawyer, Mrs Sikhala has been summoned to appear in court on Thursday.
Mahere said she was released and allowed to proceed to Chikurubi with the wife of another CCC MP, Godfrey Sithole (Chitungwiza North), who is also in prison. Said Mahere:
<blockquote>
According to @JobSikhala1’s family lawyer, Mai Sikhala was arrested on her way to Chikurubi over an alleged traffic offence.
A docket has been opened &amp; she’s been summoned to appear in court on Thursday. She was released &amp; proceeded to Chikurubi Prison with Mai Sithole.
</blockquote>
Sikhala, Sithole and 14 other opposition party members have been languishing in pre-trial detention since June following their arrest over violence in the Nyatsime area. They have been denied bail several times.
The CCC members, referred to as the Nyatsime 16, were arrested on allegations of inciting violence in Nyatsime and obstruction of the course of justice in the aftermath of the brutal murder of Moreblessing Ali, a CCC member.

Jailed Zengeza West MP Job Sikhala's Wife Arrested

Chitungwiza residents staged a flash demonstration on Friday demanding the release of detained Zengeza West Member of Parliament (MP) Job Sikhala.
The demonstration was held about 300 metres from Chitungwiza Central Police Station, where a multitude gathered, blocking roads, chanting and holding placards.
Sikhala was arrested in June together with a fellow legislator, Godfrey Sithole, and 14 Nyatsime residents activists for allegedly inciting the 14 June violence which erupted during the funeral wake of slain Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) activist, Moreblessing Ali.
They have been in prison since then with courts denying them bail.
One protestor told <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/job-sikhalas-continued-detention-sparks-protest-chitungwiza-residents-demand-release-of-nyatsime-16/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>:
<blockquote>
Today marks the beginning and end of a tyrannical, satanic, dictatorial regime by Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Our message is very clear since day one, we now want to take this message to the doorstep of Chitungwiza Magistrate Courts because our fight is not only with this oppressive regime but it must be sent again to the judiciary system.
</blockquote>
The opposition party led by Nelson Chamisa, a former Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services during the Government of National Unity (GNU) claims that President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the judiciary are weaponising the law for political expediency. 
The president was recently petitioned to ensure the release of the detained political activists.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

Sikhala's Continued Detention Spark Protests In Chitungwiza

President Emmerson Mnangagwa was on Friday petitioned to end the alleged persecution of Job Sikhala, Godfrey Sithole and other Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) activists from Nyatsime.
The petition was initiated by the Southern Africa Political Economy Series (Sapes) Trust director Ibbo Mandaza and signed by 166 prominent Zimbabweans locally and abroad.
Reads the petition first published by <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/thestandard/local-news/article/200000346/sikhala-case-haunts-mnangagwa-govt">the Standard</a>:
<blockquote>
We petition Your Excellency to bring to your consideration, a most unusual situation obtaining in the arrest and detention of Sikhala and Honourable Sithole, and 14 residents of Nyatsime, Chitungwiza following the violence of 14 June 2022 in Nyatsime. Our duty to Zimbabwe constrains us from maintaining silence.
The multiple denials of bail these two have endured, multiple times in the magistrates court and multiple times in the High Court, makes for an unusual and unprecedented situation.
We cannot think of any prosecution in recent times where one has been denied bail for such numerous times, for offences of inciting public violence and obstruction of justice, which Honourable Sikhala is charged with, and inciting public violence, which Honourable Godfrey Sithole is charged with.
Sikhala and Sithole have now spent 85 days in pre-trial incarceration at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison.
While we all noted the political violence that occurred in Nyatsime, it is curious that arrest and detention was targeted at members and perceived supporters of the political opposition,” the petition reads.
No one associated with any other formation was arrested.
When the actors in the justice system appear to act in ways wholly contrary to their sworn duty and oath to uphold and implement the law without fear or favour, inferences of external hands in work of the judiciary are bound to arise.
The offences that Sikhala, Sithole and the 14 residents of Nyatsime are facing have not had this kind of treatment visited upon anyone charged with them in recent times.
This treatment, we are aware, was commonplace during the times of the liberation struggle.
</blockquote>
Sikhala and Sithole were arrested on June 14 alongside the 14 other CCC party activists allegedly for inciting violence which erupted during the funeral wake of slain CCC activist Moreblessing Ali.
They have been denied bail on several occasions with Sikhala being accused of being an unrepentant repeat offender capable of inciting violence.
Authorities deny allegations that the legislators are being targeted for belonging to the opposition.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

President Mnangagwa Petitioned To End "Persecution" Of Sikhala And Nyatsime 15 Activists

Senior CCC official, Chalton Hwende, has called for mass protests or political engagement to force the immediate release of Job Sikhala and Godfrey Sithole, along with 14 other CCC political activists who have been in pre-trial detention for almost three months.
Hwende, who is the former secretary-general of the disbanded MDC Alliance, said if the “Nyatsime 16” are not released from prison soon, they may die. He posted on Twitter:
<blockquote>
The situation of our MPs Hon Job Sikhala &amp; Godfrey Sithole, plus the Nyatsime Cdes is very depressing.
If we don’t act, these Cdes will not be released soon and some might even die in detention.
Political prisoners require either mass action or political engagement to be released.
</blockquote>
Last week, Sikhala fell sick in his D Class detention cell reserved for dangerous criminals, amid unconfirmed reports he was poisoned.
Meanwhile, National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) leader Lovemore Madhuku, has called for political dialogue between CCC and ZANU PF to ensure the release of the Nyatsime 16.
The two MPS, Sikhala (Zengeza West) and Sithole (Chitungwiza North) and the other 14 CCC activists, were arrested in June after violence broke out in Nyatsime following the abduction and murder of Moreblessing Ali, a local CCC activist.
They face charges of inciting violence and obstructing the course of justice. | <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/let-us-stage-mass-protest-to-force-sikhalas-release-from-remand-prison-says-cccs-hwende/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>

Hwende Calls For Mass Protests, Political Engagement To Secure Sikhala's Release

MP for Harare East, Tendai Biti (CCC), has dismissed claims that political dialogue with ZANU PF will facilitate the release of party officials, Job Sikhala and Godfrey Sithole, and more than a dozen CCC supporters from Nyatsime who have been in pre-trial detention for close to three months.
Biti was responding to National Constituency Assembly (NCA) president Lovemore Madhuku who suggested that CCC’s refusal to talk with ZANU PF was behind Sikhala and Sithole’s continued incarceration. Said Biti:
<blockquote>
Lovemore Madhuku’s remarks are shocking and regrettable. They are so outrageous in their defiance of logic.
They, however, confirm the capture of and weaponization of the law in Zimbabwe A sad indictment of the regime.
</blockquote>
Posting on Twitter, CCC spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere also criticised Madhuku for his remarks saying the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) should be impartial. She said:
<blockquote>
With all due respect, this is intellectually dishonest, Professor Madhuku.
Section 260 of the Constitution enshrines the independence of the Prosecutor-General.
The PG must be impartial &amp; is not subject to the direction or control of anyone, not even Emmerson Mnangagwa. That’s the law.
</blockquote>
The Nyatsime 16, who include Sikhala and Sithole, were arrested in June over political violence in Chitungwiza following the abduction and gory murder of CCC activist Moreblessing Ali by suspects with alleged links to ZANU PF.
Sikhala and Sithole have been denied bail by the courts pending trial on five occasions.
Commenting on the issue, Madhuku said Sikhala and Sithole are victims of their own political party’s decision to refuse to dialogue with Mnangagwa. He said:
<blockquote>
The issues of Job Sikhala and others could have been resolved by a dialogue process.
The CCC members are now victims of their political party that refuses to dialogue and refuses to be part of POLAD.
If you make it a political issue, you engage other political players and then the way it is done, we can say publicly the NPA is able to engage in political discussion.
You need to persuade the NPA not to oppose bail.
</blockquote>
Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD) is a dialogue platform created by President Emmerson Mnangagwa following calls for the need for dialogue with the opposition to find solutions to the country’s problems.
The platform was launched on 17 May 2019 by Emmerson Mnangagwa. | NewZimbabwe.com

Biti "Shocked" By Madhuku's Comments On Sikhala Extended Pre-trial Detention

High Court judge Justice Lucy Mungwari has dismissed CCC legislators, Job Sikhaka and Godfrey Sithole’s bail appeals.
In her ruling, this Thursday, Justice Mungwari said Sikhala, in particular, has a heightened propensity to re-offend even though the Zengeza West MP has been arrested a record 67 times on politically-motivated charges without conviction.
Sikhala and Sithole had approached the higher court appealing against a magistrate’s decision not to grant them bail pending trial, two weeks ago.
They unsuccessfully applied for bail before the Harare magistrates’ courts.
The magistrate ruled that the two MPs were a threat to public security and were likely to re-offend if released on bail.
Sikhala and Sithole are facing charges of incitement to commit violence in Nyatsime following the murder of CCC activist Moreblessing Ali.
Ali’s dismembered remains were discovered in a disused well at a farm in Beatrice, about 10km away from where she was taken.
The prime suspect in her murder, Pius Mukandi, alias Jamba (31), has since been arrested and was remanded in custody.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/no-joy-for-sikhala-sithole/">The Herald</a></h4>

CCC MPs, Sikhala And Sithole Denied Bail

Two opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) lawmakers, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Job_Sikhala">Job Sikhala</a> and <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Godfrey_Sithole">Godfrey Karakadzai Sithole</a> will spend two more nights in jail after their bail appeal was delayed Tuesday at the State’s instance.
Prosecutors asked for a postponement stating that they were yet to file their response to the application.
The appeal will now be heard this Thursday. 
In an update on the case, CCC deputy spokesperson, Gift Ostallos Siziba said:
<blockquote>
Hon Job Sikhala and Sithole’s bail hearing has been postponed to Thursday at 9 am at the High court. The state failed to file its papers thus the hearing could not proceed.
</blockquote>
The duo made the first attempt to have the appeal heard last week but the presiding judge Munamato Mutevedzi demanded a transcribed record of proceedings from the magistrate’s court.
The judge struck the matter off the roll before the two filed a fresh application.
Sikhala and Sithole were arrested on June 14 on allegations of inciting public violence during the memorial service for the slain CCC activist <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Moreblessing_Ali">Moreblessing Ali.</a> They deny the charges.
Ali was reportedly kidnapped on 24 May and her mutilated body was found dumped in a disused well on 11 June.
A ZANU PF activist <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Pius_Jamba">Pius Mukandi</a> alias <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Pius_Jamba">Jamba</a> has since been arrested over the murder.
<h2>More: <a class="external text" href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/download/" rel="nofollow">Pindula News </a>is best enjoyed <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/download/?utm_source=PindulaArticles&amp;utm_campaign=DownloadLink">via the App. Download it here</a></h2>

CCC MPs Sikhala And Sithole Further Detained As State Requests Case Postponement

The <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Republic_Police">Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP)</a> has launched investigations into the death of two senior ZANU PF officials in the Nyatsime area of Chitungwiza.
One of them is <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2022/06/27/nyatsime-zanu-pf-leader-believed-to-have-been-poisoned/">alleged to have been </a><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2022/06/27/nyatsime-zanu-pf-leader-believed-to-have-been-poisoned/">p</a><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2022/06/27/nyatsime-zanu-pf-leader-believed-to-have-been-poisoned/">oisoned</a>, while the other reportedly succumbed to a stress-related illness.
The two officials are former Manyame district chairperson Tina Gweshe, who is suspected by her family to have been poisoned after she attended a party last week, and <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/George_Murambatsvina">George Murambatsvina</a>, the ZANU PF chairman for Nyatsime.
In an interview with <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/police-probe-death-of-zanu-pf-officials/?fbclid=IwAR3V9vFxU48UPIwNgVCrajHhr7tx9xgg4EWAE1HqrkdbH2cv9NiOJIwN0P4">The Herald</a> on Monday, national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said police have begun the investigations. He said:
<blockquote>
We are conducting investigations with a view to find out what exactly happened and we would like to urge the public to cooperate with the police. There is need for police to maintain law and order especially considering what has happened and the investigations being conducted.
</blockquote>
 Murambatsvina is expected to be buried in his rural home in Gutu while Gweshe will be buried at Zororo cemetery.
The duo was reportedly among ZANU PF officials who blocked supporters of the opposition <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Citizens%27_Coalition_for_Change">Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC)</a> from attending the memorial service of their slain colleague, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Moreblessing_Ali">Moreblessing Ali</a> a fortnight ago.
CCC supporters reportedly burnt Murambatsvina’s house following the blockade prompting ZANU PF members to burn some 26 homes belonging to CCC activists in the area.
Meanwhile, Zengeza West legislator <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Job_Sikhala">Job Sikhala</a> and Chitungwiza North legislator <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Godfrey_Sithole">Godfrey Sithole</a>, have since been <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2022/06/27/detained-ccc-mps-job-sikhala-and-godfrey-sithole-approach-high-court-seeking-their-release/">arrested over the violence. </a>
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Police Investigate Death Of Senior ZANU PF Officials In Nyatsime

CCC vice-chairman and Zengeza West MP Job Sikhala wept in court on Wednesday after he saw journalist Hopewell Chin’ono in the gallery.
CCC party president Nelson Chamisa also attended the court session at the Hara re Magistrates Court.
Sikhala and Chin’ono once spent time together at Harare’s Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison in 2020 after they were accused of inciting public violence.
They were kept in prison for over 40 days while they were repeatedly denied bail.
On Wednesday, deputy chief magistrate Gibson Mandaza denied Sikhala, and Chitungwiza North MP Godfrey Sithole bail, saying they were a danger to society.
Mandaza said Sikhala had ignored his High Court bail condition by addressing gatherings to incite public violence. Said Mandaza:
<blockquote>
It is the State’s contention that after posting the video, the violence broke out.
The bail order indicates that Sikhala had a condition stopping him from posting on social media and inciting people.
The accused has been arrested many times and he allegedly committed the offence despite the bail condition granted by the High Court on him that he should not address or incite people.
Accused (2) (Sithole)’s allegations that he ferried supporters to commit violence showed that he is a man of means.
</blockquote>
The magistrate said the State managed to prove a case against the two MPs, hence denial of bail. He remanded the matter to 6 July.
Sikhala, a founding member of the opposition MDC, has been arrested a record 67 times without conviction.
His lawyers Alec Muchadehama and Jeremiah Bhamu argued that his arrests are politically-motivated.
Muchadehama has since filed a notice to apply for removal from remand if the State fails to provide a trial date on the next remand date.
Sikhala and Sithole were arrested after violence rocked the Nyatsime area in Beatrice in the aftermath of the murder of CCC activist Moreblessing Ali. Ali was allegedly murdered by suspected ZANU PF member Pius Mukandi, alias Jamba.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2022/06/sikhala-weeps-in-court/">NewsDay</a></h4>

Job Sikhala Weeps In Court

CCC Members of Parliament Job Sikhala (Zengeza West) and Godfrey Sithole (Chitungwiza North) spent the third night in custody on Thursday after court proceedings only ended after 7 pm.
The duo face public violence charges after violent clashes rocked the funeral wake and memorial services for murdered CCC party activist Moreblessing Ali in Nyatsime, Beatrice.
Sikhala and Sithole appeared before Deputy Chief Magistrate Godfrey Mandaza who postponed the hearing to Friday.
Prosecutors Michael Reza, Chris Mutangadura and Lovemore Masuku allege that Sikhala, who is also the Ali family lawyer, urged Zimbabweans to avenge Ali’s murder.
Sithole is charged with participating in inciting violence and arranging lorries which allegedly transported CCC activists who attacked the homes of ZANU PF supporters.
Both denied the charges through defence lawyers Jeremiah Bamu and Alec Muchadehama who said the charges against their clients were concocted.
Bamu said Sikhala is not the one who posted the video in which he is alleged to have incited violence and that he did not utter any statements inciting violence.
He also complained about the manner in which “over 100” police officers circled Sikhala’s house to arrest him on Tuesday night. Said Bamu:
<blockquote>
Even as he went out to engage them upon realising they were police officers, they still attempted to force their way into his premises.
At least 30 police officers armed with baton sticks forcefully entered his premises.
He told them that he would want to get dressed and come out but before he even dressed up the police had already broken down the door and into his house.
This is not consistent with the law which provides that once an accused agrees and intends to open the door, the police should not break their doors.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, the State has since indicated that it will oppose granting of bail.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/sikhala-spends-another-night-in-jail-as-court-runs-until-7pm-fears-ccc-legislators-face-weekend-detention-too/">NewZimbabwe.com</a></h4>

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