HARARE – Former Zengeza West opposition MP Job Sikhala has finally been released after almost two years in remand at the notorious Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison in Harare.
Obert Masaraure, national organiser of the Free Job Sikhala Solidarity Movement, confirmed that Sikhala “has been Nicodemously released” from Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison.
It would appear authorities wanted to make sure he was not released in front of thousands of opposition supporters.
His co-accused, Godfrey Sithole, a former MP for Chitungwiza North, was also released from remand after the two were given a wholly suspended 2-year prison term each on public violence charges.
Magistrate Tafadzwa Miti ruled that “there is no likelihood of the two to re-offend since Moreblessing Ali’s case has been concluded.”
One of Sikhala’s lawyers, Doug Coltart, said: “The fact that he has been given a wholly suspended sentence highlights the horrific injustice of the fact that he has been denied bail and kept in prison all this time (595 days).”
There were ecstatic scenes at the Harare Magistrates Court when the ruling was made. Notable opposition members like Tendai Biti, Chalton Hwende, and Daniel Molokele were in attendance.
Sikhala and Sithole were arrested on June 14, 2022, and charged with incitement to commit public violence to avenge the murder of Moreblessing Ali.
Ali’s killer, Pius Jamba, was jailed for 30 years in December last year after being convicted by High Court judge Justice Esther Muremba.
Watch Job Sikhala addressing supporters at his home shortly after his release from prison
Former Zengeza West opposition MP Job Sikhala addresses supporters at his home shortly after his release from prison, where he spent nearly 2 years without trial. #jobsikhala #zimbabwe #sikhala pic.twitter.com/n5t3g3Kvjq
— Nehanda Radio (@NehandaRadio) January 30, 2024
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