Sikhala, Sithole Spend Third Night In Jail
CCC Members of Parliament Job Sikhala (Zengeza West) and Godfrey Sithole (Chitungwiza North) spent the third night in custody on Thursday after court proceedings only ended after 7 pm.
The duo face public violence charges after violent clashes rocked the funeral wake and memorial services for murdered CCC party activist Moreblessing Ali in Nyatsime, Beatrice.
Sikhala and Sithole appeared before Deputy Chief Magistrate Godfrey Mandaza who postponed the hearing to Friday.
Prosecutors Michael Reza, Chris Mutangadura and Lovemore Masuku allege that Sikhala, who is also the Ali family lawyer, urged Zimbabweans to avenge Ali’s murder.
Sithole is charged with participating in inciting violence and arranging lorries which allegedly transported CCC activists who attacked the homes of ZANU PF supporters.
Both denied the charges through defence lawyers Jeremiah Bamu and Alec Muchadehama who said the charges against their clients were concocted.
Bamu said Sikhala is not the one who posted the video in which he is alleged to have incited violence and that he did not utter any statements inciting violence.
He also complained about the manner in which “over 100” police officers circled Sikhala’s house to arrest him on Tuesday night. Said Bamu:
Even as he went out to engage them upon realising they were police officers, they still attempted to force their way into his premises.
At least 30 police officers armed with baton sticks forcefully entered his premises.
He told them that he would want to get dressed and come out but before he even dressed up the police had already broken down the door and into his house.
This is not consistent with the law which provides that once an accused agrees and intends to open the door, the police should not break their doors.
Meanwhile, the State has since indicated that it will oppose granting of bail.
