Harare magistrate Tafadzwa Mhiti yesterday deferred the trial of Job Sikhala and Godfrey Sithole after the pair’s lawyer failed to attend court.

Sikhala, a former St Mary’s legislator, and Sithole, who is the legislator for Chitungwiza North, representing the Citizens Coalition for Change, are facing a charge of inciting the public to cause violence.

They are being represented by Harrison Nkomo and Oliver Marwa, respectively. Prosecutor Ephraim Zinyandu said Marwa was attending a matter at the High Court and could not be present in the court.

On the previous court appearance, Mhiti dismissed Sikhala and Sithole’s application for discharge at the close of the State case saying the application lacked merit.

She said there were witnesses who saw the duo at the crime scene and they had to explain the statements they made with regards to the alleged murder of CCC activist Moreblessing Ali.

Sikhala and Sithole allegedly posted videos mobilising their supporters to avenge Ali’s death and hired lorries to ferry people to Nyatsime where they engaged in an orgy of violence.

According to the State, some families were left homeless after the violence while several shops and vehicles were vandalised by suspected CCC supporters. The matter has been deferred to December 11 on a three-day continuous roll.

In other news – Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Authority official collapses and dies during marathon

The Cimas Health Group has expressed regret and sadness over the unexpected death of Norman Mahla (40), a Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Authority (Zimparks) member, who collapsed during the Cimas iGo Half Marathon in Bulawayo yesterday (Sunday).

Mr Mahla was part of a Zimparks team participating in the 10km run. He collapsed close to the edge of the road at an intersection being manned by police, who attempted to render immediate assistance. An ambulance came swiftly to the scene. The ambulance crew confirmed he had died. His body was taken to the United Bulawayo Hospitals mortuary. Read More