BREAKING:”Job Sikhala’s Sentence and Conviction Reversed by High Court”
The High Court of Zimbabwe has overturned Job Sikhala’s conviction and sentence for obstructing or defeating the course of justice.
In May 2023, the Harare Magistrates Court found the former Zengeza West legislator guilty of obstructing or defeating the course of justice.
The court gave Job Sikhala a wholly suspended six months sentence with an option of paying US$ 600 or spending six months in prison.
Sikhala’s trial was linked to a video which he posted on social media in which he is accused of saying that the ruling Zanu-PF party had killed Moreblessing Ali, a CCC activist.
Job Sikhala, who has been detained since June last year, denied making the video and an expert witness testified in court that the footage had been tampered with.
Sikhala, through the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) appealed the conviction and sentence in the High Court of Zimbabwe.
High Court Judges Justices Kwenda and Chikowero said as they handed down the judgement:
“Accused is found not guilty and acquitted.”
Posting on social media, the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) confirmed the High Court decision:
“We have overturned the conviction & sentence of Hon. Job Sikhala, who had been convicted for obstruction & defeating the course of justice. Join us in thanking our dedicated & tireless lawyers Jeremiah Bamu, Harrison Nkomo & Advocate Mutero. We are ZLHR!”
Sikhala will however remain in jail as he has other charges he is facing, including inciting violence.
CCC Speaks On Job Sikhala’s Latest Court Judgement
CCC’s former spokesperson and current Mt Pleasant legislator Fadzayi Mahere reacted to the High Court decision:
“We have always said the charges against Sikhala are baseless. He’s been acquitted on this charge but has served three times what the worst person in his position would be sentenced to. It’s normally a fine at best. This is why bail is a constitutional right. The denial of bail for Sikhala remains a dark stain on our democracy.”
-Iharare News
