‘Job Sikhala has been targeted by the State for 25 years, arrested 66 times’
The Zanu-PF regime is accused of targeting opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) Vice Chairman Job Sikhala (MP) for over 25 years, leading to his more than 66 politically motivated arrests without a single conviction.
Zimbabwe’s notorious prison, Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison, is currently holding close to 30 CCC activists, including three MPs who were arrested over “frivolous” charges of either holding internal party meetings or inciting public violence.
Zengeza West legislator Sikhala has been jailed for the past seven months, without bail or trial, for allegedly inciting public violence to avenge the murder of CCC activist Moreblessing Ali.
He is also facing charges of obstructing the course of justice. He applied for bail more than 10 times without success.
It is believed by his party that Sikhala has been arrested more than 66 times by the Zanu-PF regime over political issues.
Against this background, CCC interim secretary general Chalton Hwende boldly stated that his colleague, Sikhala, has been targeted by the State for over 25 years leading to his multiple arrests and torture at the hands of Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) agents.
He said this after visiting Sikhala at the proceedings of his case at Rotten Row Magistrate’s Court in Harare.
“On Monday I had an opportunity to discuss with our illegally detained MP and Champion Hon Sikhala. I have known him since 1995 all his adult life he has been a champion for a free and democratic Zimbabwe. On 15 Jan 2003 he was arrested and tortured by CIO agents.
“The CIO agents applied electric shocks to his genitals and was hospitalized for months. The State has targeted him for over 25 years. He has been arrested more than 66 times and has never been convicted. He remains very strong and determined to fight for a New Zimbabwe,” he said.
On Tuesday, CCC leader Nelson Chamisa went to court in solidarity with Sikhala and 27 members of Budiriro who were arrested last week, together with MPs Amos Chibaya and Costa Machingauta, for allegedly convening an “illegal” party meeting at the home of one of their leaders.
Chamisa said: “I’m at court in solidarity with the persecuted Change Champions Hons Job Sikhala, Amos Chibaya, Costa Machingauta and the Budiriro 25. The Citizens heroes are innocent. This too will come to an end. Nothing lasts forever! #FreeThemAll.”
