CCC National Vice President Job Sikhala and Chitungwiza Member of Parliament Godfrey Sithole have been found guilty of inciting public violence that broke out in Nyatsime, Chitungwiza in 2022 following the murder of Ms Moreblessing Ali by her ex-boyfriend.
The two were found guilty after a full trial by Harare magistrate Ms Tafadzwa Miti who found that Sikala had posted a video encouraging CCC supporters to avenge Ms Ali’s killing.
Sithole hired trucks to transport people from Epworth and other surrounding areas to Nyatsim.
According to the state, 20 families were left homeless in the wake of the violence, while 13 shops, six shops and vehicles suffered extensive damage after CCC supporters revolted and indiscriminately attacked Nyatsim residents.
In handing down judgement, Ms Miti said it was undisputed that Sikhala uttered the words that sparked the violence in Nyatsime and were captured in a video posted online.
“The evidence shows that the video was not posted on the accused’s social media platform. The evidence did not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the first accused (Sikhala) did not post the videos, but that does not mean that a crime was not committed.
“From the video evidence, there is no doubt that the accused (Sikhala) was the one who uttered the words in the video,” Ms Mete said.
She indicated that there was no evidence of tampering with the video evidence presented before the court nor the evidence of tampering that was presented before the court.
“Through the words spoken by the accused (Sikhala) he clearly incited the people of CCC. Indeed, general violence broke out in Nyatsim. . . It is therefore clear that the statements of the first accused (Sikhala) actually incited the public to commit acts of violence.
Judge Miti also said that it was Sithole who provided transportation to the people who caused the violence in Nyatsime.
“The witness was able to link the second accused (Sithole) to the commission of the crime as he actually mobilized the transport.
“Incitement is influencing the mind of another person to commit public acts of violence, and it can also be by reference. Hence, the court is satisfied that the two actually committed the crime of incitement to commit violence. “The accused are therefore guilty of the charges,” she added.
The case returns Jan. 29 for the sentencing portion of the trial with evidence that will lead to aggravation and mitigation.
Meanwhile, judgment in another trial of Sikhala, charged with telling a lie that a police officer had killed a child with a baton, was postponed to February 7.
Mr Jeremiah Bamu and Mr Harrison Nkomo represent Sikhala while Mr Oliver represents Marwa Sithole.
The presiding judge, Ms. Verisi Chakanyuka, told the court that the postponement was a result of the state’s delay in submitting its closing arguments.
The state alleged Sikhala tweeted that a junior police officer had killed a child with a baton in 2021. Herald
