Job Sikhala, the leader of the National Democratic Working Group, along with 38 other people, was arrested in Nyanga, Manicaland Province, on Saturday, 8 February.
The group was detained for allegedly holding a meeting without notifying the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), as required by law.
The former Zengeza West legislator and the others were charged under Section 7(1)(b) of the Maintenance of Public Order Act.
They are being represented by lawyers from the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights.
Section 7(1)(b) of the Maintenance of Public Order Act requires that the convener of a public meeting must provide written notice to the regulating authority for the district in which the public meeting is to be held no later than five days before the meeting. The notice must be signed by the convener.
However, if the convener is unable to write the notice, the regulating authority may do so upon request. During an election period, the notice period is reduced to three days.
Sir African · 2 months ago
Sikhala Claims US$1.2 Million In Damages For Wrongful Arrest
SAKHALA SUES STATE FOR USD 1.2MILLION FOR MALICIOUS ARREST AND PROSECUTION
Opposition politician Job Sikhala is suing the State for US$1.2 million in damages over unlawful detention and prosecution, reported NewsDay.
Harare magistrate Feresu Chakanyuka had convicted Sikhala of communicating falsehoods through his Facebook page, risking public disorder, but the charge was later quashed by the High Court last year.
Sikhala filed the lawsuit through his lawyer, Harrison Nkomo, of the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights.
In his summons filed at the High Court, Sikhala cited police officers Morgan Chafa and Davison Ngezi, prosecutor Anesu Chirenje, magistrate Chakanyuka, ZRP Commissioner-General Stephen Mutamba, Home Affairs minister Kazembe Kazembe and Finance Ministry secretary George Guvamatanga as the first to seventh respondents, respectively. Part of the summons read:
The plaintiff’s claim against you jointly and severally, one paying the other to be absolved, is for damages arising from unlawful arrest and detention, malicious prosecution, and wrongful conviction in the sum of US$1 235 000 payable in the lawful local currency at the prevailing rate on the date of payment.
The claim includes US$500,000 for pain and suffering resulting from Sikhala’s unlawful arrest, malicious prosecution, and conviction.
Sikhala is also demanding US$350,000 for unlawful detention and US$250,000 for contumelia.
Additionally, Sikhala is seeking US$100,000 for emotional trauma and stress and US$35,000 for legal fees.
Download Pindula App to use without data or internet connection [Econet Lines]