Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) deputy spokesperson and legislator, Gift Ostallos Siziba, was arrested in Bulawayo on Wednesday on charges of inciting violence. Siziba has since been released and is scheduled to appear in court on Friday.
The charges against him are related to inciting violence during an incident at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday when a football match between Dynamos and Highlanders was prematurely halted. The match concluded in the 37th minute after Highlanders supporters stormed the pitch to protest a free kick decision made by referee Allan Bhasvi.
The unrest spilled beyond the stadium, resulting in damage to vehicles and an overwhelming situation for ZRP officers. A total of 19 suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident.
The ZRP reports that the total number of suspects arrested in connection with the public violence at Babourfields Stadium is now 19. Investigations are continuing with a view of accounting for all the suspects.#notoviolence
— Zimbabwe Republic Police (@PoliceZimbabwe) September 13, 2023
In a post on X, CCC condemned the “continued persecution” of it’s members.
“Our MP for Pelandaba Tshabalala, Hon @Cde_Ostallos, was arrested today on false allegations of inciting violence. Although he was later released, he has been summoned to court on Friday. The regime has intensified its crackdown against our members after a shambolic, disorganized, rigged and fraudulent election. This continued persecution must stop. #StopPersecutingCCC,” the post reads.
🟡Our MP for Pelandaba Tshabalala, Hon @Cde_Ostallos, was arrested today on false allegations of inciting violence. Although he was later released, he has been summoned to court on Friday. The regime has intensified its crackdown against our members after a shambolic,… pic.twitter.com/QkT3MoBWqm
— Citizens’ Coalition for Change (@CCCZimbabwe) September 13, 2023
In other news – Job Sikhala violence trial postponed
The trial of imprisoned opposition leader Job Sikhala and Chitungwiza North legislator Godfrey Sithole has been postponed. This delay occurred after the politicians’ legal representatives expressed their unavailability due to prior commitments at the High Court.
The trial had already faced interruptions earlier, primarily due to delays from the State’s side. Defense lawyers Jeremiah Bhamu, Harrison Nkomo, and Oliver Marwa subsequently requested a postponement of the trial to a later date. Read More
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