Former opposition lawmaker Job Sikhala will learn his fate today when the court issues its ruling in a case in which he is accused of inciting public violence. Sikala has been detained since his arrest in June 2022 on charges of mobilizing opposition supporters for riots and retaliation. The martyrdom of the activist in the Citizens’ Coalition for Change, Mazyad Nimah Ali.
The former lawmaker’s requests for bail have been rejected countless times, and the courts have described him as an unrepentant repeat offender capable of committing further crimes.
Yesterday, the Job Sikhala Solidarity Movement (JSSM) mobilized ordinary Zimbabweans and other stakeholders to besiege the Harare Magistrates Court during the bail ruling. JSSM president Darlington Chigweda said Zimbabweans attending the court hearing should wear black to protest his continued imprisonment.
“January 24 is freedom day, not only for Job Sikala, but for all Zimbabweans who suffer the brunt of brutal oppression,” Chigweda said. The death of democracy. We also stress that citizens must maintain peace and unity in the face of injustice and severe provocation from the regime in Harare. Our position is firm: Ayoub Sikhala is innocent and must be released.”
Ali’s killer, Pius Mukande, alias Jamba, was sentenced to 30 years in prison in December last year. In court, Gamba said he was framed and tortured until he confessed to killing Ali.
Ali’s body was cut into pieces and the remains were found in an abandoned well. She has not been buried yet. Chigweda said Ali’s death was politically motivated. She was killed because of her political beliefs, Chigweda said, adding that Sikhala was being subjected to political prosecution and persecution.
Sikhala boldly demanded justice for Ali. For this reason, he spent one year, seven months and eight days in pretrial detention. “This is a clear case of persecution through prosecution,” he said.
“Yet Sikhala remained unshaken by the shameful persecution. He demonstrated unparalleled determination and undying passion to fight for a better Zimbabwe.
Zimbabweans at home and abroad have asked President Emmerson Mnangagwa to intervene to secure Sikala’s release. But the government said Mnangagwa could not intervene in violation of the principle of separation of powers between the judiciary and the executive.
Sikhala’s continued detention has also drawn international condemnation, with critics accusing the judiciary of being “exposed to danger and captivity” for treating opposition activists harshly.
Human rights watchdogs condemned Sikhala’s pretrial detention and called on the government to respect the constitution. Under the Constitution, every Zimbabwean has the right to a fair trial.
Chigweda said Sikhala was a symbol of resistance against tyranny. “Sikala’s freedom will mark a new era in Zimbabwe’s history. Chigweda said the movement will wage a long struggle to respond to tyranny on Freedom Day.
“The dictatorship in Harare must be confronted with a united front of all citizens, so that Zimbabwe can be transformed into a democracy. The Solidarity Movement views Zimbabwe as an ideal neo-colonial state run by greedy, incompetent elites.
Sikhala faces two other charges: obstruction of justice and disorderly conduct. In November, he was acquitted of obstruction of justice charges, a case that arose from allegations that he accused ZANU-PF of being behind Ali’s killing. Newsday
