Zimbabwe opposition leader released from detention

By Jeffrey Moyo

HARARE, Zimbabwe (AA) - Zimbabwe opposition leader Job Sikhala, who spent 595 days in pre-trail detention on charges of inciting public violence, was ordered freed by a court in Harare on Tuesday.

The renowned politician, a leader of the opposition party Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), was released together with his co-accused and fellow party member Godfrey Sithole after they were handed wholly suspended two-year jail sentences following convictions for incitement to commit public violence.

Sikhala was due to leave prison later in the day.

Scenes of jubilation broke out at the Harare Magistrates Court in Zimbabwe amid news of Sikhala’s release in a ruling that was handed down by Harare Magistrate Tafadzwa Miti.

“In this case, the court has taken note of the fact that the two are both first-time offenders. First offenders should be given a second chance. In this case, the court has the view that the two will not reoffend. Secondly, the offenders have already faced precondition incarceration. Both the accused are given two years’ imprisonment wholly suspended on condition of good behavior,” said Miti in his judgment.

Sikhala’s lawyer, Harrison Nkomo, said “the legal effect of that is that he is now a free man. This is the only case that has been keeping him in custody, so he is going to come out today.”

The confrontational opposition leader leaves prison after 595 days, while his co-accused, who had spent 150 days in jail before he was granted bail, was appearing routinely in court over the period that their case was being heard.

Obert Masaraure, national organizer of the Free Job Sikhala Solidarity Movement, who is also national president of the Amalgamated Rural Teacher's Union of Zimbabwe, could not hold back his joy following the news of Sikhala’s release.

“Thank you, Zimbabwe. Thank you, Solidarity Movement. Job Sikhala is a free man. The FreeWiwa Movement will not close shop. We will continue fighting for the release of all political prisoners. We will fight for the freedom of all people!” Masaraure said on X.

“Wiwa” is Sikhala’s political trademark.

Sikhala was arrested and jailed in 2022 on charges of inciting public violence, this after hordes of opposition supporters protested against the gruesome murder of CCC activist Moreblessing Ali the same year by Zanu-PF party activist Pius Jamba, who has since been jailed 30 years for the killing.

Last Wednesday, around 100 protesters stormed the Harare Magistrates Court while singing and dancing as they demanded the release of Sikhala.

But moments after protesters swarmed the courtyard, Miti convicted the pair of inciting public violence following violent protests that erupted after Ali’s murder.