CCC official Job Sikhala and his accomplice, Chitungwiza North Member of Parliament, Godfrey Sithole, were sentenced to two years in prison, fully suspended for five years, for inciting public violence in Nyatsime in 2022.
In sentencing the duo, Harare Regional Magistrate, Ms Tafadzwa Miti, said she took into account the long time the two had spent in remand prison.
The suspended prison sentences require them not to be found guilty of offenses relating to public violence in the next five years.
Explaining her sentence, Ms. Mete said: “The court is guided by the default penalty of three years’ imprisonment with aggravating circumstances.
“However, in this particular case, the court took into account that the two were first-time offenders and that Sikala had been on remand for some time, while Sithole had been on remand for five months and was subsequently granted bail.
“The two were therefore sentenced to two years’ imprisonment, fully suspended on the condition that they do not commit a similar offense within the next five years.”
Sikhala has remained in pretrial detention since his arrest in 2022.
Speaking to the media after the sentencing, Sikhala’s lawyer, Mr Harrison Nkomo, said his client would now be released from prison.
“The legal effect of this ruling is that Ayoub is now a free man and will be released today.
He said: “I have instructions to refer the matter to the Supreme Court to appeal against this conviction.”
The agreed facts are that Sikhala posted a video on social media encouraging CCC supporters to avenge the killing of party supporter Murbarlesingh Ali, who was killed by her ex-boyfriend in a domestic dispute.
He and Sithole hired trucks to transport people from Epworth and other surrounding areas in Chitungwiza to Nyatsime to commit acts of violence.
According to the state, 20 families were left homeless in the wake of the violence, while 13 shops, six mini-marts and vehicles suffered extensive damage after CCC supporters revolted and indiscriminately attacked Nyatsim residents. Announce
#Homecoming #Wait too long for freedom Opposition activist Job Sikhala is welcomed by supporters in St Mary’s, Chitungwiza, after his release. With no shackles on his legs, which have become a permanent restriction during his court appearances, Sikhala walks for almost a kilometer… pic.twitter.com/jSZpw37662
-The NewsHawks (@NewsHawksLive) January 30, 2024
