MDC-T chairman Morgen Komichi has implored President Emmerson Mnangagwa to release Job Sikhala, a detained Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) member, who has languished in pretrial detention for more than a year.
Komichi made this plea following his visit to the incarcerated former legislator at Chikurubi Maximum Prison on Monday.
Sikhala has been behind bars since June 14th of the previous year when he was apprehended, along with other CCC activists, on charges of allegedly inciting public violence in the aftermath of the murder of Moreblessing Ali, reportedly by a suspected Zanu-PF supporter. Sikhala was representing Ali’s family when he was detained, a move that the opposition claims was politically motivated.
“Zimbabwe is a multi-party democracy that accommodates opposition parties. Opposition members should not be treated as if they were violent criminals. Mnangagwa should demonstrate compassion and permit Sikhala to be granted bail so that he can await trial while at home. I am appealing to Mnangagwa to exhibit leadership and allow Sikhala to be granted bail,” stated Komichi.
In the meantime, in May of this year, Sikhala was found guilty of obstruction of justice and is currently facing additional charges related to incitement of violence and disorderly conduct.
The opposition and the regional and international communities have condemned Sikhala’s prolonged incarceration, which has resulted in his being denied bail on multiple occasions. Human rights advocates have also expressed concern about the ruling party’s alleged politicization of the judiciary to stifle dissenting voices.
In other news – Lupane man slits own father and mother’s throats
A man from Lupane in Matabeleland North is currently evading law enforcement after allegedly brutally murdering his parents during a family gathering last week. Clever Ngwenga (35), a resident of Gwalubha village, is accused of slitting the throats of his mother, Mildred Ngwenya (71), and his father, Simon Ngwenya (73), for reasons that remain unknown.
During the attack, Ngwenga also allegedly attempted to kill his two brothers but was unsuccessful in his efforts. According to the police statement released, “Police in Lupane are appealing for information, which may lead to the arrest of Clever Ngwenya (35) who is being sought for callously killing his parents, Mildred Ngwenya (71) and Simon Ngwenya (73), for an unknown reason while attending a family gathering at Gwalubha Village, Mabhikwa on September 21. Read More
