Job Sikhala speaks on future plans following release from prison

Veteran politician Job Sikhala has spoken for the first time after being Nicodemously released from Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison on Tuesday after being sentenced to a wholly suspended two years for inciting public violence.

Sikhala was originally scheduled for release on Wednesday, where he expected to be greeted by his dedicated followers after spending a lengthy 595 days behind bars.

In an exclusive interview with The NewsHawks, Sikhala shared his thoughts on his newfound freedom. He expressed an absence of emotions, as he firmly believed that his persecution was rooted in his unwavering love for Zimbabwe

“Absolutely this was an act of persecution. What you have to understand is that, if somebody is convinced to say that I am suffering for a just cause, I am not feeling anything. These people who have kept me in prison for a long time should understand that my determination to pay any price for the love of my country is beyond reproach,” Sikhala said.

When asked how he managed to withstand the harsh conditions of Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison, Sikhala explained that he had to summon great mental strength.

“When you get into a very difficult situation, a proper revolutionary must be able to adapt to any situation. I had to make sure that I gathered mental strength for me to be able to sustain myself in this situation,” Sikhala explained.

Looking ahead, Sikhala said he will address the people of Zimbabwe and the World regarding his political future. He says he will clarify his stance amid the confusion that has been plunging the Citizen’s Coalition for Change (CCC).

“I’m going to have the State of the Nation and International Address on where I stand in all the chaos that has been happening in my absence. I owe an obligation to the people of Zimbabwe and also the world at large for them to know what I’m thinking vis-a-vis issues that have been happening in my country. So I am going to make sure that in the shortest possible time in the future, I’m going to make sure that I am going to speak out to the people of Zimbabwe and the world,” Sikhala disclosed.

You can watch Job Sikhala speak for the first time after being released below:

#Exclusive Zimbabwe's prominent opposition political activist Job Sikhala was released from Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison tonight after 595 days in jail. The NewsHawks was there to exclusively tell the story. pic.twitter.com/HZvg5GIRQg

— TheNewsHawks (@NewsHawksLive) January 30, 2024