The family of the late Moreblessing Ali has condemned the violence that erupted during her burial at Zororo Memorial Park in Chitungwiza on Saturday, 02 March.
Suspected opposition supporters, some believed to be aligned with former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) president Nelson Chamisa, clashed with alleged supporters of the Ali family’s lawyer Job Sikhala, who is a former CCC vice chairman.
While it is not clear what sparked the clashes, Chamisa’s alleged supporters reportedly blocked Sikhala from giving a graveside speech accusing him of betraying the “opposition struggle.”
In a statement, the family’s spokesperson Washington Ali, who is a brother to the late Moreblessing, described the violent scene as “distressing”, saying they have reported the incidents to the police. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
Statement Regarding the Violence at Moreblessing Ali’s burial.
We, the members of the Ali family, express our profound disapproval of the violent incidents that unfolded during the burial of our dear family member, Moreblessing Ali, on March 2, 2024.
Our original intent was to bid farewell to our relative with the utmost dignity and without the distressing scenes we unfortunately witnessed.
Our family firmly maintained the position that Moreblessing Ali’s interment would not proceed until our family lawyer, Honorable Job Sikhala, was released from prison.
We had engaged Hon. Sikhala to represent us when we were in the dark about Moreblessing Ali’s whereabouts following her disappearance in May 2022.
His legal expertise guided us through the intricate legal landscape, enabling us to seek answers about our relative’s fate. 
We patiently awaited Hon. Sikhala’s release, recognizing the sacrifices he made on behalf of our family.
As a united family, we convened multiple meetings to ensure that the unfortunate events of June 14, 2022, would not recur. 
Our collective decision was clear: Moreblessing Ali’s burial would adhere strictly to the family’s wishes and desires.
Politics, party affiliations, slogans, and any interference with the family’s intentions were categorically prohibited. The funeral program would unfold according to our internal arrangements.
Regrettably, certain individuals disrupted the solemnity of the occasion by injecting politics and slogans into the proceedings.
Their actions led to violence and insults, which we find utterly unacceptable.
Furthermore, some even took it upon themselves to dictate the funeral program, disregarding the family’s expressed wishes.
As a family, we have taken the necessary steps to involve law enforcement in addressing the disruptive behaviour during our loved one’s funeral.
It is crucial that we curb this behaviour promptly to foster a culture of respect for funerals and memorial services.
The inhumane, insensitive, and reprehensible actions witnessed have deeply affected our family.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Moreblessing Ali's Family Condemn Violence At Her Burial

Violence broke out at the funeral of Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) activist Moreblessing Ali on Saturday, 02 March.
Ali was buried at Zororo Memorial Park in Chitungwiza, almost two years after her murder, with hundreds of opposition supporters in attendance.
According to <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/ccc-factional-fights-erupt-at-funeral-job-sikhala-allys-car-stoned/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>, the mourners sang songs like Siyanai naye Chamisa, Mupanduki tengesa uone mashura; Mobi (Moreblessing) akaurayiwa tinozviziva; Chamisa Mai Mwana; Taakuda/vaakuda kuchema; Chera mwana mupanduki nguva yaakuda kupera and Sikhala huya angabude sei akavharirwa nemasasikamu.
One mourner, presumably aligned to former CCC leader Nelson Chamisa, accused the party’s former vice chairman Job Sikhala of causing problems in the opposition CCC saying, “Ibva pano Sikhala, wakatengesa (Leave this place immediately. You sold out the opposition struggle.”
It is alleged that councillor Darlington Musonza, an alleged Sikhala ally, slapped two women in the face resulting in punches being exchanged.
Musonza’s vehicle was later stoned by the angry mob dressed in blue as he sought refuge in his car.
He pepper-sprayed the mob and drove off towards the cemetery exit leaving the crowd shouting obscenities.
The mourners wearing blue t-shirts also accused Musonza of being a womaniser and being a land baron.
The Ali family’s lawyer Job Sikhala remained calm throughout and carried the coffin bearing Ali’s remains from the Nyaradzo Funeral Parlour to the grave.
<a href="https://www.thestandard.co.zw/news/article/200023898/moreblessing-ali-buried-amid-ccc-violence">The Standard</a> reported that some unruly mourners were engaged in running battles with two factions, one behind Chamisa and the other behind Sikhala throwing stones at each other while others exchanged blows.
Ali (46), was abducted in May 2022 outside a bar at Chibhanguza in Nyatsime, a neighbourhood of Chitungwiza town on the outskirts of Harare.
Her body, cut into pieces, was found in a well in the area more than two weeks later, resulting in violent clashes between CCC supporters and ZANU PF activists.
Pius Mukandi, alias Jamba was later jailed for 30 years for the murder.
Ali’s remains had remained in a government morgue until her burial.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Mourners Clash At Moreblessing Ali's Burial

Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) activist Moreblessing Ali was finally buried on Saturday, 02 March, almost two years after her murder.
Ali was buried at Zororo Memorial Park in Chitungwiza, with hundreds of opposition supporters in attendance.
Sadly, vioelence broke out between supporters of the Ali family’s lawyer Job Sikhala and those aligned to former CCC leader Nelson Chamisa.
As reported by <a href="https://www.thestandard.co.zw/news/article/200023898/moreblessing-ali-buried-amid-ccc-violence">The Standard</a>, the burial only resumed after tensions cooled down following the intervention of elders.
Moreblessing’s father Farai Ali said she was pained by the manner in which his daughter was murdered. Said Ali:
<blockquote>
It really pains my heart that my daughter was murdered, and cut into pieces like chicken.
She died a very painful death. Moreblessing was a hard worker; She built this house on her own…
Before she was murdered, she called me on the phone and told me that her husband wanted to finish paying lobola.
We would never have guessed that she was about to leave us.
</blockquote>
Her mother, Judith Chisiwa said the family yearns to know how Moreblessing was murdered. She said:
<blockquote>
We still demand answers. We wonder how they murdered her. We are shocked; we were robbed of a very humble and loving daughter. It’s so painful. I hope and pray my daughter finally rests in peace.
</blockquote>
Ali’s brother, Wellington said the family was harassed after Moreblessing’s murder. He said:
<blockquote>
The truth must be told so that we may find peace and closure. Soon after we heard that Moreblessing was killed, we were harassed and assaulted after we gathered to mourn her.
I will not mention names of the people, but what I want to say is that there are evil and heartless people out there.
</blockquote>
Ali’s daughter, Nyasha said: “I still have a lot of questions. We had arranged to go to the farm over a telephone conversation. I did not know that that was my last time talking to her.”
Sikhala said Moreblessing’s death will not be in vain. He said:
<blockquote>
The bones of Moreblessing Ali that were put to rest today (yesterday) shall rise again.
Her death is not in vain. It will surely have a role to play in the future politics of this country.
But the lesson that we have all learnt is that never again will we lose a life because of political differences.
</blockquote>
Ali was killed by Pius Mukandi, who then dismembered her body and placed the parts into a sack which he threw into a disused well at his mother’s plot in Nyatsime in May 2022.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Moreblessing Ali Finally Buried

The late Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) activist Moreblessing Ali will be buried on Saturday, 02 March, almost two years after her gruesome murder in Nyatsime, Chitungwiza.
Ali’s burial was delayed following the arrest and prolonged pre-trial detention of family lawyer Job Sikhala whom the family insisted should be present.
Sikhala, who was released last month after spending 595 days at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison for allegedly inciting the public to avenge Ali’s murder, said the late activist will be buried at Zororo Cemetery in Chitungwiza on Saturday. Sikhala posted on X:
<blockquote>
I announce the burial of our heroine Moreblessing Ali on Saturday the 2nd of March 2024 at Zororo Cemetery at 12:30 PM.
All friends, relatives and colleagues are invited to this memorable event. We are bringing closure to this sad chapter in our country.
</blockquote>
Ali’s remains had been in a mortuary since her dismembered body was discovered in June 2022 in a disused well at the home of Laina Mukandi, the mother to Pius Mukandi, alias Jamba, who was convicted of her murder.
Pius is now serving a 30-year jail term after he was found guilty of Ali’s murder by High Court Judge Justice Esther Muremba in December 2023.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Moreblessing Ali To Be Buried On 02 March In Chitungwiza – Sikhala

The remains of the late CCC activist Moreblessing Ali are set to be finally laid to rest almost two years after her gruesome murder by Pius Mukandi, an alleged ZANU PF activist.
As reported by <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/ccc-activist-moreblessing-ali-is-finally-set-to-be-buried-two-years-after-gruesome-murder/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>, the Ali family confirmed that the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) had allowed them to view her body, having been denied the chance since 2022.
The family had declared that Moreblessing would only be buried after their lawyer Job Sikhala was released from prison as he had been arrested while representing them and demanding justice for the late activist.
Sikhala was released in January this year after spending 595 days in pretrial detention at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison.
He had been arrested and faced two charges, one of inciting public violence for allegedly saying that Ali’s death had to be avenged, and the other of obstruction of justice for accusing ZANU PF of being behind the murder of Ali, thereby misleading the police.
Family spokesperson Washington Ali said plans are underway to provide Moreblessing with a dignified burial. He said:
<blockquote>
Now that Sikhala, our lawyer, has been released from prison, our family feels immense relief as he reunites with his loved ones.
On the day of his release, Sikhala expressed his sentiments, emphasising that it is now time to lay Moreblessing Ali to rest.
We deeply appreciate the unwavering support and solidarity from all of you during these challenging nearly two years, which lacked proper mourning and burial for our beloved family member
The family has been in communication with the police, and we have had the opportunity to view Moreblessing’s dismembered body.
Plans are underway to provide Moreblessing with a dignified burial. Once the dates for the burial are confirmed, you will receive a notification.
</blockquote>
Ali was initially reported missing on 24 May 2022, and her dismembered body was later found dumped in a disused well at the home of Pius’s mother, Laina Mukandi in Nyatsime.
Pius is now serving a 30-year jail term after he was found guilty of Ali’s murder by High Court Judge Justice Esther Muremba in December 2023.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Moreblessing Ali Is Finally Set To Be Buried

The family of the murdered Citizens’ Coalition for Change activist, Moreblessing Ali, has yet to set a date for her burial almost two years after her death.
The family had insisted since its lawyer and representative Job Sikhala’s arrest on 14 June 2022, that Moreblessing will only be buried in his presence.
Tafadzwa Montgomery, sister of the deceased, told <a href="https://thenewshawks.com/alis-burial-imminent-two-years-after-murder/">The NewsHawks</a> that the family will deliberate on the way forward and make a media announcement. She said:
<blockquote>
Thank you for reaching out. It is yet to be determined when it will be as there is a lot involved! Once an executive decision is made by our family, we will proceed. Thank you for your kindness in respecting our privacy as we soldier through this.
Just because VaSikhala (Mr Sikhala) has been released does not mean that every social media platform should come hounding us for evidence.
We are asking that as a family you give us due respect, especially for the Sikhala family to do what we need to do to give Moreblessing a decent burial.
</blockquote>
Ali was killed in cold blood by Pius Mukandi alias Jamba on 25 May 2022 in Nyatsime.
Her dismembered body parts were later discovered in a disused well at Laina Mukandi’s homestead in Beatrice. Laina is the mother to Pius.
Sikhala was arrested and faced two charges, one of inciting public violence for allegedly saying that Ali’s death had to be avenged, and the other of obstruction of justice for accusing ZANU PF PF of being behind the murder of Ali, thereby misleading the police.
He was convicted of both charges and was released last month after spending 595 days in prison.
A day after his release, Sikhala posted on his X account that Ali had to be buried “as soon as possible”. He said:
<blockquote>
It’s sad that Moreblessing Ali has still not been buried since my arrest. This issue needs to come to closure. I am engaging my clients, the Ali family, to make arrangements for her burial as soon as possible.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

No Date For Moreblessing Ali Burial

Job Sikhala, a former Member of Parliament for the Zengeza West constituency, has said he is working with the Ali family to ensure a prompt burial for Moreblessing Ali, a CCC activist who was killed in 2022. Sikhala is the family’s lawyer, and they had decided not to bury Ali until Sikhala was released from prison. Sikhala had been imprisoned for inciting violence which erupted in Nyatsime during Ali’s funeral but was recently released when his sentence was suspended. In a statement seen by Pindula News, Sikhala says it is important to bring closure to the case. He said: 
<blockquote>
It’s sad that Moreblessing Ali is still not buried since my arrest. This issue needs to come to closure. I am engaging my clients, the Ali family, to make arrangements for her burial as soon as possible.
</blockquote>
Ali was murdered by a man named Pius Mukandi, also known as Pius Jamba. He has been found guilty and sentenced to 30 years in prison. The exact reason for the murder is unknown, but the opposition party CCC claims that Ali was killed for opposing the ruling ZANU PF party.
Ali was kidnapped and killed sometime between May 24 and June 11, 2022. Her body, which was badly decomposed, was found in a well at the Chisango homestead in Nyatsime. It was discovered by Mukandi’s mother. At first, the Chisango family members were suspected, and the CCC claimed they were responsible for Ali’s abduction. A postmortem examination could not determine the cause of death, but a pathologist suggested that strangulation may have been the cause, and Ali’s body was dismembered after death.
Mukandi was arrested on June 16, 2022, while he was hiding in Chidamoyo, Hurungwe. He confessed to the police, showing them how he kidnapped, assaulted, and killed Ali. He also led them to the place where he dismembered her body and showed them the knife he allegedly used. Mukandi also helped the police recover Ali’s belongings, including her cellphone, jacket, trousers, shoes, and pants, which were presented as evidence in the case.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Job Sikhala Engages Ali Family For Burial Of Slain CCC Activist

The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe has said that Job Sikhala, who used to be a Member of Parliament for Zengeza West, will be sentenced today. He was found guilty on 24th January 2024 for inciting violence that happened during the funeral of slain Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) activist Moreblessing Ali in June 2022. Read the statement:
<blockquote>
Job Sikhala and Godfrey Karakadzayi Sithole who were convicted on the 24th of January 2024 on charges of inciting public violence will appear tomorrow (30 January 2024)  at the Harare Magistrates Court for sentencing.
The State proved that on the 12th of June 2022 Job Sikhala posted a video on various social media platforms encouraging members of the public to engage in acts of violence in order to seek revenge for the death of Moreblessing Ali who was murdered in Nyatsime, Beatrice. The two accused persons went on to provide transport to ferry members of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) political party from Chitungwiza and Epworth to Nyatsime where they engaged in acts of violence. The accused persons drove around Nyatsime persuading members of the public to take part in these acts of violence. As a result of the accused persons’ actions members of CCC went to Chibhanguza Shopping Centre in Nyatsime and assaulted members of public and known supporters of the ZANU PF political party as well as vandalizing shops and beerhalls. The CCC members also went and terrorized residents around the Nyatsime area destroying houses and damaging several vehicles in the process.
</blockquote>
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Job Sikhala To Be Sentenced Today For Inciting Public Violence During Moreblessing Ali's Funeral

Zimbabweans have been urged to unite in calling for the unconditional release of former Zengeza West MP Job Sikhala who appeared in court on Wednesday.
Sikhala was found guilty of inciting public violence after spending more than 500 days in pre-trial detention following his arrest on 14 June 2022. He is now awaiting sentencing.
Job Sikhala Solidarity Movement co-ordinator Obert Masaraure implored all democracy campaigners to support the call for Sikhala’s release. Said Masaraure, as quoted by <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200022368/rally-behind-sikhala-citizens-urged">NewsDay</a>:
<blockquote>
We emphasise that citizens should maintain peace and unity in the face of injustice and extreme provocation from the regime in Harare. Our position remains that Job Sikhala is innocent and must be released.
Job Sikhala has remained unshaken by the shameless persecution; he has demonstrated unmatched resolve and an undying passion to fight for a better Zimbabwe.
Citizens have been left wondering, had Job Sikhala been free? Would he have remained silent in the face of the rigged August 23 elections?
Would he have remained silent when Tapfumaneyi Masaya was brutally murdered in Mabvuku?
To citizens, Sikhala is a symbol of resistance against authoritarianism, this makes him a thorn in the side of the regime.
We are hopeful that Sikhala will be exonerated and will be reunited with his family. Sikhala’s freedom will mark a new era in the history of Zimbabwe.
</blockquote>
Sikhala was arrested while representing the family of the late Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) activist Moreblessing Ali, who was murdered by Pius Mukandi, an alleged member from the Nyatsime area.
Mukandi, also known as Jamba, was on 20 December 2023 sentenced to 30 years imprisonment by High Court Judge Justice Esther Muremba for the murder of Ali on 24 May 2022.

Zimbabwean Citizens Urged To Rally Behind Job Sikhala

Pius Mukandi, also known as Jamba, has been sentenced to 30 years imprisonment by High Court Judge Justice Esther Muremba for the murder of Moreblessing Ali on 24 May 2022.
Justice Muremba delivered the sentence on Mukandi this Wednesday, 20 December.
Ali was reportedly a member of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) and a community leader in Ward 21, Chitungwiza North.
In a statement issued this Wednesday, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPA) confirmed Jamba’s sentencing. It said:
<blockquote>
Pias Mukandi alias Jamba who was convicted for the murder of Moreblessing Ali on the 4th of December 2023 has been sentenced to 30 years imprisonment by the Harare High Court.
The State proved that the accused person murdered the deceased following a disagreement on the 24th of May 2022 at Chibhanguza Night Club in Nyatsime.
An eyewitness last saw the deceased being dragged by the accused person by the hair. The deceased’s remains were found dumped in a disused well.
The accused person was later arrested in Hurungwe on the 16th of June 2022 which led to the recovery of the deceased’s clothes, cellphone and a kitchen knife used to dismember the body.
</blockquote>
Posting on X, CCC deputy spokesperson Gift Siziba bemoaned the continued incarceration of Job Sikhala, the lawyer who was arrested while representing Ali’s family in June 2022. Said Siziba:
<blockquote>
Pius Jamba who brutally murdered Moreblessing Ali has been jailed for 30 years by Harare High Court judge Esther Muremba.
Hon Job Sikhala remains in prison after he represented the family to find Justice after this callous act by the ZANU PF activist.
</blockquote>
Mukandi (33) was a resident of Nyatsime in Beatrice when the gruesome murder took place. He was identified by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) as the main suspect in the murder of Ali.
Mukandi is related to Simbarashe Chisango, who is said to be a well-known ZANU PF activist in Chitungwiza.
His mother is Laina Mukandi of Plot 321 Dunnotar Farm in Beatrice where he dumped Ali’s remains in a disused well before disappearing from the area.
On 30 May 2022, ZRP national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi issued a statement which said Mukandi had a scuffle with Ali following a misunderstanding over the latter’s dog.
The incident occurred on 24 May 2022, at around 9 PM at Chibhanguza Shopping Centre, Nyatsime in Beatrice, where Ali had gone to drink beer with her friend Kirina Mayironi.
Mukandi is reported to have had a scuffle with Ali and he dragged her before the two disappeared into the darkness.
On 16 June 2022, Assistant Commissioner Nyathi announced the arrest of Mukandi in the Chidamoyo area, Magunje, Mashonaland West Province, his mother’s home area.
Mukandi had been in hiding since 24 May 2022 when he was last seen dragging Ali from Chibhanguza Shopping Centre.
Police initially claimed that Mukandi and Ali were ex-lovers but it later emerged during Mukandi’s court appearance that it was the first time for him to see the deceased. 
Mukandi appeared at the Harare Magistrates Court on 18 June 2022 before Magistrate Dennis Mangosi.
The State alleged Mukandi took the now deceased from the vicinity of the nightclub to an unknown secluded place and struck her with an unknown object, before strangling her to death and cutting her body into three pieces.
Mukandi allegedly took the dismembered body parts to her mother’s home and dumped them into a well before fleeing to Magunje.
He was arrested before he could sell a grinding mill to raise transport money to Zambia or Mozambique
Mukandi was remanded in custody to 1 July 2022 and advised to apply for bail at the High Court.
This came after the National Prosecuting Authority said it was finalising paperwork for him to be indicted for trial at the High Court.
When Jamba initially appeared in court in 2022, he detailed how he murdered Ali before dismembering her body.
The NPA said, in his warned and cautioned statement, Jamba admitted to the murder charge. He was, however, not asked to plead.
In November 2023, Mukandi alleged police threatened to kill him if he did not admit to the crime. He told High Court Judge Justice Esther Muremba that the police who were handling his case also assaulted him.
He made the claims in his defence after he was asked by his lawyer Garikayi Mhishi if he was admitting to the murder charge.
Mukandi also said the police told him that he was lucky he handed himself in otherwise if he had been found at home he would have been shot.
He said the witnesses who testified for the state said he was wearing a yellow T-shirt on the night Ali was last seen at Chibhanguza nightclub, yet he was wearing a red T-shirt and blue jeans.
He said the T-shirts and jeans were recovered by the police and were never submitted in court as exhibits.
On 04 December 2023, Justice Muremba ruled that Pius Jamba Mukandi had killed Moreblessing Ali.
Muremba also said it was also her finding that the murder was not politically motivated. Said the judge:
<blockquote>
We’re satisfied that the accused is the person who killed Moreblessing Ali because he was the last person to be seen with her.
The state witnesses impressed the court as credible witnesses. They gave corroborating evidence.
It is common cause that the accused and Ali interacted and their interaction was not in the positive.
It is also common cause that Ali did not go home after drinking at the nightclub on May 24 and she was never seen alive again.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Moreblessing Ali's Killer, Pius Mukandi, Sentenced To 30 Years In Jail

The High Court judge, Justice Esther Muremba, has postponed the judgment in the murder trial of Pius Mukandi, also known as Jamba, who is accused of killing a member of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), Moreblessing Ali, in Nyatsime in May last year. The judgment has been rescheduled for November 27 to allow the prosecutors to file their submissions.
During the trial, Mukandi through his lawyer Garikayi Mhishi, denied killing Ali and claimed that he was framed. He stated that he did not know her and was at his mother’s homestead on the day of the murder. However, a video was submitted as evidence in court, where <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2022/06/18/court-update-pius-jamba-admits-killing-moreblessing-ali/">Mukandi admitted to committing the crime</a> and demonstrated to the police officers how he did it. Mukandi later distanced himself from the video, claiming that he appeared under duress and that the script was rehearsed.
Mukandi also alleged that he was assaulted and threatened with death if he did not admit to the murder charge. He admitted to consuming two bottles of whisky and crystal meth on the day of the alleged murder. Mukandi stated that he had planned a journey to his mother’s rural home months before Ali was murdered. He also told the court that he surrendered himself to the police when they came looking for him in Hurungwe.
Seven witnesses testified in the trial, including Mukandi’s mother, sister, and other individuals. The judgment was initially scheduled for Thursday but was postponed to allow the state to submit closing submissions.
<h3>Some Context:</h3>
The state claims that on May 24, 2022, at around 10:20 PM, the accused person, Pius Mukandi, was at Chibhanguza Night Club in Nyatsime. Moreblessing Ali, who is now deceased, was with her friend Kirina Mayironi at the club. Mukandi had a catapult with him. According to the state:
1. Ali and Mayironi were leaving the club to go home when Mukandi grabbed Ali.
2. Mayironi tried to save Ali, but Mukandi hit her with a stone from the catapult, causing an open wound on her chin.
3. Mayironi ran back into the nightclub, and other people came out to see what was happening. Mukandi threw stones and bricks at the club to prevent anyone from seizing him or rescuing Ali.
4. Mukandi took Ali to a secluded place where he used an unknown instrument to strike and strangle her, causing her death.
5. He then used an unknown instrument to cut Ali’s body into three pieces – the upper torso and two legs.
6. Mukandi took the dismembered body parts to his mother’s farm, Plot 321 Dunnotar Farm in Beatrice, and dumped them into a disused well.
7. Afterward, Mukandi fled and went into hiding.
Ali’s body was found on June 11, 2022, when Mukandi’s mother noticed a strong smell coming from the decomposing body in the well. A postmortem conducted on June 14, 2022, at Parirenyatwa Hospital in Harare, could not determine the cause of Ali’s death. However, the forensic pathologist concluded that strangulation might have been the cause, and Ali was dismembered after her death.
Mukandi was arrested on June 16, 2022, while he was on the run in Chidamoyo, Hurungwe, in the Mashonaland West Province. He voluntarily showed the police how he kidnapped, assaulted, and killed Ali. He also led them to the scene where he dismembered her body and showed them the knife he allegedly used. Mukandi also led the police to recover Ali’s cell phone, jacket, trousers, shoes, and pants, which were presented as evidence. He was remanded in custody.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Mukandi Makes U-turn And Denies Killing Moreblessing Ali, Judgment Postponed

The Chitungwiza man accused of killing Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) member <a href="https://pindula.co.zw/Moreblessing_Ali">Moreblessing Ali</a> in June 2022 has alleged police threatened to kill him if he did not admit to the crime, reported <a href="https://www.thestandard.co.zw/news/article/200019427/alis-suspected-killer-says-police-threatened-to-kill-him">The Standard</a>.
<a href="https://pindula.co.zw/Pius_Jamba">Pius Mukand</a><a href="https://pindula.co.zw/Pius_Jamba">i</a> alias Jamba recently appeared at the High Court in Harare. He testified in his defence that the police, who were handling his case also assaulted him.
Mukandi is accused of callously murdering Ali before chopping her body into pieces and dumping the remains in a disused well in Nyatsime.
He was tracked down to Hurungwe where he was arrested while allegedly selling his grinding mill to get money to flee to Mozambique.
Mukandi told High Court Judge Justice Esther Muremba that he was not in hiding, but had visited his relatives in Hurungwe.
He made the claims in his defence after he was asked by his lawyer Garikayi Mhishi if he was admitting to the murder charge. Said Mukandi:
<blockquote>
After staying for two weeks in my rural area, l visited my sister and she told me that there were police officers who had visited looking for me.
She told me that they had visited my homestead but did not find me.
After she told me l then decided to go to the police to enquire why they were looking for me.
When l arrived at the police base they asked me how they could help and l identified myself and told them that l heard that they were looking for me and they said, “Harare police is looking for you”.
l was handcuffed and they took me to a room where l was detained.
After a while, they took me out of the room and told me that Harare police officers were coming to take me.
When the police officers arrived they disembarked from their vehicle and l was then surprised when the officers said, “You got us this murderer”.
</blockquote>
Mukandi said the police told him that he was lucky he handed himself in otherwise if he had been found at home he would have been shot.
He further claimed that the police officers kept threatening to kill him if he did not admit to the crime.
Mukandi claimed police officers forced him to rehearse a statement where he confessed to killing Ali. He said:
<blockquote>
They told me that l should not deny what l did because social media was awash with information on what l did and people were fighting because of that incident.
They said they were in a position to assist me if l listened to them.
They said if I failed to cooperate with them l was going to be taken and killed.
</blockquote>
He said the witnesses who testified for the state said he was wearing a yellow T-shirt on the night Ali was last seen at Chibhanguza nightclub, yet he was wearing a red T-shirt and blue jeans.
He said the T-shirts and jeans were recovered by the police and were never submitted in court as exhibits.
Mukandi told Chief Prosecutor Michael Mugabe that he was forced to admit to the crime.
Justice Muremba reserved her ruling to 16 November.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Moreblessing Ali Suspected Killer Says Police Threatened To Kill Him

<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Job_Sikhala/">Job Sikhala</a>, a Zimbabwean opposition politician, has been denied bail for the fifteenth time since his arrest in June 2022. He was arrested and charged with inciting violence, accused of threatening to avenge the murder of opposition activist, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Moreblessing_ali/">Moreblessing Ali</a>, an allegation that has been dismissed by critics as politically motivated.
Sikhala’s trial began on January 3, 2023, but has stalled after he requested that the proceedings be broadcast live. In a letter sent from prison, Sikhala said he is unwell and fears being killed in prison. He wrote:
<blockquote>
I have not been feeling well for the past three weeks.
I don’t really understand and do not know what it is. I pray it is not colon cancer.
I ask all Zimbabweans to pray for me to be healed from this pain.
</blockquote>
Sikhala added that he believed his life to be under threat, and that he feared being killed in prison.
If found guilty, he could be sentenced to 20 years in prison. Critics say that his continued incarceration is an attempt at political persecution ahead of a crucial election this year.
The CCC, the political party Sikhala represents, was born out of the former Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), and he is viewed as an important figure in drumming up urban support for the party. The continued detention of Sikhala has stoked concerns over another government crackdown on opposition politicians and has led to widespread criticism and calls for his release. CCC spokesperson <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Fadzayi_Mahere/">Fadzayi Mahere</a> said:
<blockquote>
The continued incarceration of Job Sikhala is one of the latest signs of the political crisis and shrinking democratic space in Zimbabwe. He is being persecuted. There is no legal justification for him to be detained without trial for over 200 days.
</blockquote>
Political analyst <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Ibbo_Mandaza/">Ibbo Mandaza</a>, who has petitioned the international community to intervene in Sikhala’s case, said:
<blockquote>
It appears inevitable that the onslaught on the opposition will intensify as elections approach, not to mention the accompanying violence and bloodshed.
</blockquote>
According to Lawyer <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Doug_Coltart/">Doug Coltart</a>, it is evident that the state intends to detain Sikhala for an extended period, and it appears that this action is politically motivated. Coltart believes that Sikhala’s detainment is a ploy to remove him from the political arena.
<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Tendai_Biti/">Tendai Biti</a>, a former finance minister and opposition MP, expressed shock at the continued denial of bail to Job Sikhala, stating that it represents a fundamental change of circumstances. He added that the law must remain autonomous and protect itself against capture.
Similarly, journalist <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Hopewell_Chin'ono/">Hopewell Chin’ono</a> condemned Sikhala’s detention in several Twitter posts and conveyed Sikhala’s determination to continue the struggle for freedom.
Zimbabwean actor <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Chipo_Chung/">Chipo Chung</a> also questioned the detention of Sikhala and demanded justice for victims of violence, referring to the murder of Moreblessing Ali. Chung expressed disappointment at the lack of progress towards a new dispensation and called on President Mnangagwa to address the situation. Chung is the daughter of Zimbabwe liberation war hero and former minister of education, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Fay_Chung" title="Fay Chung">Fay Chung</a>. 
Zimbabweans are scheduled to participate in a general election on 23 August amid growing concerns about violence by the ruling ZANU PF party. Opposition politician <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Nelson_Chamisa/">Nelson Chamisa</a> is expected to challenge President <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Emmerson_Mnangagwa/">Emmerson Mnangagwa</a> for the second time, with early indications suggesting another closely contested race.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Zimbabwean Opposition Politician Job Sikhala Denied Bail For 15th Time Since Arrest

A year has gone since the abduction and murder of Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) activist, Moreblessing Ali, in Nyatsime and her remains are still to be buried.
Ali’s remains were found in a disused well on 11 June 2022, 18 days after her kidnapping, the previous month.
Her family has declared they will not bury her remains until their lawyer, Job Sikhala who was arrested for allegedly inciting public violence, has been released.
Sikhala is accused of recording and publishing a video demanding justice for Ali.
He was arrested three days after Ali’s body was found and has since spent nearly a year in pretrial detention at Chikurubi Maximum Prison.
Ali’s alleged killer Pius Mukandi, alias Jamba has been in remand prison for almost a year after being arrested while trying to flee from justice.
In April this year, he was remanded in custody pending his indictment for trial at the High Court.
In a statement to remember Ali, CCC said it was committed to seeking justice for Moreblessing Ali. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
One year ago, our Change Champion, Moreblessing Ali, went missing, and a few weeks later, her mutilated body was found in a well located in Nyatsime, owned by the mother of a ZANU PF member named Simbarashe Chisango.
Despite allegations against Pius Jamba, a ZANU PF member, no justice has been served for Moreblessing Ali’s brutal murder.
Sadly, her lawyer, Job Sikhala, who represented her case, has also been punished and has currently spent 344 days in pre-trial detention.
We remain committed to seeking justice for Moreblessing Ali.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, Sikhala, who was arrested on 14 June alongside Chitungwiza North MP, Godfrey Sithole, and 14 other CCC activists, has been denied bail several times.
On 03 May 2023, Sikhala was convicted of obstructing the course of justice and was given a wholly suspended six months sentence and a six-month jail term with an option of paying a US$600 fine.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

CCC Remembers Moreblessing Ali One Year After Her Murder

Job Sikhala, Zengeza West Member of Parliament, has been convicted of <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">obstruction of justice</a> in the <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">murder investigations</a> of Moreblessing Ali. He allegedly interfered with police investigations and obstructed the course of justice.
Sentencing is scheduled for later today by <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">Harare magistrate</a> Gofa. 
The opposition <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">Citizens Coalition</a> for Change (CCC) expressed frustration on social media, stating that Job Sikhala’s charges were trumped up. Read the post:
<blockquote>
BREAKING: Our MP, Hon @JobSikhala1 has been convicted on a trumped up case in which he is accused of obstruction of justice. He’s being punished by the regime in Harare for representing Moreblessing Ali who was brutally murdered by a Zanu PF member in Nyatsime. We condemn this unjust weaponisation of the law and we insist that he’s innocent. Sentence at 14.15
</blockquote>
According to the party’s spokesperson, Fadzayi Mahere, Sikhala’s conviction is an unconstitutional weaponisation of the law against government critics. She said:
<blockquote>
BREAKING: <a class="link-complex" data-user-name="JobSikhala1" href="https://twitter.com/JobSikhala1/" rel="noopener user" target="_blank">@JobSikhala1</a> has been convicted on a charge of attempting to defeat the course of justice. This is an unconstitutional weaponization of the law against Govt critics. Sikhala is being punished for legally representing Moreblessing Ali who was murdered for her politics.
</blockquote>
Sikhala was arrested last year in June during the funeral wake of slain CCC activist Moreblessing Ali. He has been in prison ever since.
<h2><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Job Sikhala Convicted Of Obstruction Of Justice

The trial of Zengeza West Member of Parliament, Job Sikhala, on charges of obstructing police investigations into the murder of Moreblessing Ali was yesterday deferred to January 3, 2023.
Sikhala had appeared at the Harare Magistrates Court.
The State claims that Sikhala defeated or obstructed the course of justice after he allegedly recorded and posted a video on social media which was aimed at hindering police investigations.
This trial is separate from the one where he is accused of inciting public violence that erupted in the Nyatsime area in June Nyatsime after Ali’s kidnapping and murder.
When the trial opened early this month, Sikhala, through his lawyers Mr Harrison Nkomo and Mr Jeremiah Bamu, denied the charges arguing that:
<blockquote>
i). he did not post or cause anyone to record and post on social media the video that the State alleged had hindered police investigations.
ii). he had no knowledge that police had launched investigations into the matter, adding that he was only providing legal services to Ali’s family.
iii). there was an unnecessary split of charges from the one he was charged with incitement to commit public violence, which arose from the same incident.
iv). there was nowhere in the video that showed him addressing or giving information to the police and there was no utterance where the police were asked to act on what he said.
</blockquote>
Harare regional magistrate Mrs Marehwanazvo Gofa dismissed the two applications and set yesterday for trial.
Oscar Madhume, who was representing the State, applied for a postponement of the matter, saying there were critical documents that he intended to serve Sikhala before the State opened its case against him.
He said the documents would afford Sikhala a fair hearing adding that the opposition leader would suffer no prejudice because of the postponement.
Sikhala’s lawyer opposed the application, saying it was prejudicial to his client as he was still in custody since his arrest.
He told the court that they had already pleaded and crafted their defence without the said documents which he said were not admissible at law.
However, the court upheld the State’s application and allowed the postponement to January 3.
Sikhala then applied for bail consideration on the basis that the State was not ready to prosecute him.
The State opposed the application saying nothing had changed and that his application could not be divorced from the previous ones.
Mrs Gofa is today expected to make a ruling on bail consideration.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Job Sikhala's Trial Deferred To January 2023

Friends of jailed Zengeza West Member of Parliament, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Job_Sikhala">Job Sikhala</a>, yesterday accused the police of blocking a prayer session for Sikhala which was supposed to be held at his Chitungwiza home on Wednesday.
Sikhala has been in prison since June when he was arrested for inciting public violence which erupted on 14 June during the funeral wake of slain <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Citizens%27_Coalition_for_Change">Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC)</a> activist, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Moreblessing_Ali">Moreblessing Ali</a>.
Friends of Job Sikhala Solidarity Trust spokesperson Emmanuel Zellers Gumbo said police barricaded roads leading to Sikhala house in Chitungwiza. He told NewsDay:
<blockquote>
We were supposed to have a prayer session around 5pm at Sikhala’s place and police at St Mary’s had given us the greenlight to do so.  However, we were surprised to see truckloads of police barricading the road which leads to his place. We couldn’t even proceed with our prayer session.
We are dealing with a regime which seeks to control and monitor everyone. It was just a prayer, but the current regime is even afraid of prayer gatherings. We wanted to pray in solidarity, not only with Sikhala, but also the people since the Judiciary had failed us.  Our only hope is God. We can’t continue to see this level of injustice.
</blockquote>
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Paul_Nyathi">Paul Nyathi</a> said he was not aware of the incident.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Sikhala's Friends Say Police Blocked A Prayer Session For The Jailed MP

The family of slain opposition <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Citizens%27_Coalition_for_Change">Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC)</a> activist <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Moreblessing_Ali">Moreblessing Ali</a> yesterday vowed that her remains will not be buried until their lawyer, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Job_Sikhala">Job Sikhala</a>, has been freed.
Their remarks come after an alleged attempt by the State to have a pauper burial for Moreblessing on Wednesday. Family members resisted the plan and threatened legal action. Ali’s mother, Judith Chisiiwa told <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200005629/no-ali-burial-until-sikhala-is-freed">NewsDay</a> on Thursday:
<blockquote>
Sikhala helped us a lot when we were searching for our daughter. He went out of his way to ensure everything was in order, including providing legal representation. When Moreblessing was found, her body was already decomposing and burial won’t change a thing for us. We are prepared to wait.
It’s very difficult for us as a family, but we will not back down. Right now we can’t even imagine getting another lawyer on this matter because we know that we have worked with Sikhala.
</blockquote>
It is alleged that a distant uncle had approached some relatives informing them that there was intent to bury Ali’s remains on Wednesday at Mabvuku Cemetary.
The attempt failed after the funeral parlour which was handling the burial cancelled the arrangement.
Asked by NewsDay to give an account of what transpired yesterday, Moreblessing Ali’s mother said details were still sketchy.
Ali was killed between May and June this year following her abduction in her Nyatsime home area on May 24. Her alleged killer, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Pius_Jamba">Pius Mukandi</a>, alias <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Pius_Jamba">Jamba</a> was arrested on 16 June after a three-week manhunt.
Ali’s lawyer, Job Sikhala was arrested during the clashes and accused of inciting public violence which erupted on 14 June and he remains behind bars. Sikhala, the Zengeza West Member of Parliament has been denied bail 10 times.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Ali Family Says Slain Moreblessing Ali Won't Be Buried Until Job Sikhala Has Been Freed

The state was Wednesday forced to abandon the burial of slain <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Moreblessing_Ali">Moreblessing Ali</a>’s mutilated remains after her children and other family members protested the move.
Ali who was a <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Citizens%27_Coalition_for_Change">Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC)</a> activist, was killed between May and June this year following her abduction in her Nyatsime home area on May 24.
Her remains were set for a pauper’s burial this Wednesday at a Mabvuku cemetery in Harare, according to <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/state-forced-to-abandon-paupers-burial-on-moreblessing-ali-after-family-outcry/">ZimLive</a>.
Her children – Nyasha and Silence Ali protested being sidelined from the process after they were notified just nine hours from the time that had been set for their late mother’s burial.
The pauper’s burial was set to take place in the early hours of Wednesday fronted by a family faction that was agreeable to the process.
<ul>
<li><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/moreblessing-alis-son-who-fled-from-home-says-he-has-been-fired-from-work/">Moreblessing Ali’s Son Who Fled From Home Says He Has Been Fired From Work</a></li>
<li><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/court-update-pius-jamba-admits-killing-moreblessing-ali/">Court Update: Pius Jamba Admits Killing Moreblessing Ali</a></li>
<li><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/just-in-moreblessing-ali-family-lawyer-job-sikhala-arrested/">JUST IN: Moreblessing Ali Family Lawyer Job Sikhala Arrested</a></li>
<li><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/british-mp-says-moreblessing-alis-murder-is-meant-to-scare-the-opposition/">British MP Says Moreblessing Ali’s Murder Is Meant To Scare The Opposition</a></li>
</ul>
Nyasha told ZimLive that she was relieved that the burial did not go on. Said Nyasha:
<blockquote>
They have abandoned their plan to bury our mother without our consent as children.
I’m relieved it did not go according to their plan because a lot of relatives were angry and protested against such inhumane act.
They took the body and we don’t know where the body was since Monday. We are not even sure if it’s the body of our mother and they just added that we will do paperwork as early as possible.
</blockquote>
It is alleged that Ali’s burial was to be convened for just 20 people including suspected state agents.
Ali’s alleged killer, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Pius_Jamba">Pius Mukandi</a>, alias <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Pius_Jamba">Jamba</a> was arrested on 16 June after a three-week manhunt.
Her murder triggered violent clashes between Zanu PF and CCC supporters during her funeral wake in June.
Ali’s lawyer, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Job_Sikhala">Job Sikhala</a>, was arrested during the clashes and accused of inciting public violence which erupted on 14 June and he remains behind bars. 
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Govt "Abandons" Pauper Burial For Slain Moreblessing Ali After Her Children's Protest

Fourteen Nyatsime community members were on Tuesday granted bail in a case they are being accused of inciting the 14 June violence which erupted during the funeral wake of slain Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) activist, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Moreblessing_Ali">Moreblessing Ali.</a>
Meanwhile, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Zengeza West, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Job_Sikhala">Job Sikhala</a> and Felix Biri are still detained five (5) months later. The CCC issued an update on the case:
<blockquote>
FREE SIKHALA &amp; BIRI: 14 members of the Nyatsime community were on Tuesday granted bail after spending more than 5 months in prison without trial. Only @JobSikhala1 &amp; Felix Biri are yet to be freed. Bail is a constitutional right. #FreeWiwa #FreeBiri 
</blockquote>
The release comes barely a week after another CCC MP for Chitungwiza North, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Godfrey_Sithole">Godfrey Sithole</a> had been granted bail.
His party condemned the prolonged detention saying when it gets into power, a person is innocent until proven guilty not vice versa “like what we’re currently experiencing under Mr Mnangagwa’s regime.”
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Nyatsime 14 Granted Bail, Job Sikhala, Felix Biri Still Detained

The 14 CCC activists from the Nyatsime area who had been in pre-trial detention since June, were on Tuesday granted $50 000 bail each by High Court judge Munamato Mutevedzi.
They were represented by Thabani Mpofu, duly instructed by Noble Chinhanu of the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum.
The 14 are Chauya Shopa (41), Clever Sibanda (37), Ephrage Gwavava (35) Robert Madzokere (30), Emmanuel Muradzikwa (38), Zecks Makoni (54), Enock Tsoka (39), Shepherd Bulakasi (40) and Tatenda Pindahama (43), Zephania Chinembiri (45), Roan Tsoka (39), Misheck Guzha (62), Precious Jeche (41) and Odious Makoma (42).
Of the 16 arrested in connection with the Nyatsime violence, only Zengeza West MP Job Sikhala remains in prison.
Chitungwiza North MP, Godfrey Sithole, was granted bail last Friday.
Sikhala faces charges of obstruction of justice and inciting violence.
He has been in detention since 14 June 2022, when he was arrested for allegedly inciting violence.
Sikhala was arrested after he convened a prayer meeting for his deceased client and opposition party member, Moreblessing Ali, who was killed by Pius Mukandi, a man linked to ZANU PF.
He has applied for bail eight times at both the High and the magistrates’ courts but has been denied this constitutional right.
Meanwhile, Ali is yet to be buried after her family declared that she will only be laid to rest after Sikhala has been released.

14 CCC Activists From Nyatsime Granted $50 000 Bail Each

Chitungwiza North MP, Godfrey Sithole (CCC), considers himself lucky not to have been infected with various diseases at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison owing to poor living conditions.
In an exclusive interview with <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/thestandard/news/article/200003508/sikhala-pal-relives-duos-prison-horror">The Standard</a>, Sithole said the conditions at Chikurubi are inhumane. He said:
<blockquote>
If you see that the conditions of the whole country generally are very bad, just imagine what it means for Chikurubi, it’s bound to be worse.
The food is pathetic, prisoners get food that is not nutritious, and the vegetables that we were given had no cooking oil, no salt, and other basic ingredients that ensure people have a healthy and balanced diet.
At Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison, they do not have enough blankets, it’s a crisis and people are just congested.
You can have 40 people in a cell designed for 15 people at Chikurubi; their disaster preparedness programme is in shambles.
As you are aware, last year a prominent prisoner Martin Gumbura died of COVID-19 at Chikurubi.
</blockquote>
Sithole was arrested on 14 June 2022 in connection with the violence that took place in Nyatsime at the funeral of slain CCC activist Moreblessing Ali and he spent 149 days in pre-trial detention.
He was charged with incitement to public violence alongside fellow MP Job Sikhala and 14 other Nyatsime residents who are still in remand prison despite several attempts to apply for bail.
However, <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/murdered-moreblessing-alis-family-living-in-hiding/">a local ZANU PF councillor, Masimbi Masimbi, who allegedly incited violence in Nyatsime, has not been arrested</a> and the Ali family has demanded that he should be prosecuted.

"Prison Conditions Are Very Bad," Says CCC MP Godfrey Sithole

The government claims Zengeza West MP, Job Sikhala (CCC), who has been in pre-trial detention for more than 100 days on allegations of inciting violence, violated past bail conditions, thereby resulting in the courts rejecting his new bail applications.
The outspoken lawmaker is said to have been arrested 67 times but has no single conviction. He has been denied bail five times by the courts in the current case.
Sikhala, Chitungwiza North MP, Godfrey Sithole, and other CCC activists from Nyatsime were arrested on 14 June 2022 after attending the funeral of political activist Moreblessing Ali.
Ali was brutally murdered and her remains were dumped in a disused well and were only discovered three weeks after she had gone missing.
Responding to questions in the Senate on Thursday from Senators who wanted to know how the government was handling the matter, Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Ziyambi Ziyambi, said:
<blockquote>
… my understanding is that you are on bail on a specific case and there are conditions that are attached to that.
If you violate your bail conditions then the bail will not be granted should you commit another offence. That is a general principle.
The individual so concerned, my understanding which I just read, not to say that I was schooled by the Judiciary from going to ask about judicial decision but that is not my duty; the decision of the courts was on the basis of the fact that bail was granted, bail conditions were violated and that is the reason to deny bail.
… When we are in court, sometimes as politicians, we must refrain from abusing the courts for political expediency.
</blockquote>
| <a href="https://cite.org.zw/ziyambi-wades-into-job-sikhala-case/">CITE</a>

Ziyambi Says Sikhala Has Been Denied Bail Because He Violated Previous Bail Conditions

Pro-democracy campaigner, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Makomborero_Haruzivishe">Makomborero Haruzivishe</a> has said Zimbabwean jails have 60 political prisoners who are victims of the ruling ZANU PF’s capture of the judiciary.
In Twitter posts seen by Pindula News, Haruzivishe who himself has in the past been <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2022/01/07/mdc-alliance-activist-makomborero-haruzivishe-granted-bail-2/">detained for a prolonged period of time</a> says the ruling party was weaponising the law. He said:
<blockquote>
60 Zimbabweans are in jail not because they are criminals, they are imprisoned because they are political activists. They are in jail because ZanuPf weaponized the law against them. They are in bondage because of a captured justice system. 
</blockquote>
Haruzivishe who is a member of the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) had earlier posted on the same platform demanding the release of them all and an end to judicial capture. Read his initial post:
<blockquote>
<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Mthwakazi_Republic_Party" rel="hashtag noopener" target="_blank">#MRP9</a> were convicted to 36 months for protesting <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/?s=brutality" rel="hashtag noopener" target="_blank">#NoToPoliceBrutality</a>. <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/ztp-leader-asks-court-to-remand-him-in-custody-for-the-next-two-weeks/">34 apostolic sect members</a> have over 4 months in pretrial detention for protesting <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/ztp-leader-asks-court-to-remand-him-in-custody-for-the-next-two-weeks/" rel="hashtag noopener" target="_blank">#NoToPoverty</a>. <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/june-14-violence-another-nyatsime-resident-arrested/" rel="hashtag noopener" target="_blank">#Nyatsime17</a> have spent 119 days in pretrial incarceration for demanding <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Moreblessing_Ali" rel="hashtag noopener" target="_blank">#JusticeForMoreblessingAli</a>. 
</blockquote>
The ruling ZANU PF party, however, denies allegations that it influences court decisions saying the judiciary is independent of the executive. 
Zengeza West Member of Parliament (MP), <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Job_Sikhala">Job Sikhala</a> and <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Godfrey_Sithole">Godfrey Sithole</a> (Chitungwiza North MP) are among the people arrested and detained allegedly for political reasons.
They were arrested in June over the 14 June Nyatsime violence which erupted during the funeral wake of slain CCC activist, Moreblessing Ali. They were accused of inciting public violence after they demanded justice for the murdered activist.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

"Zimbabwean Jails Have 60 Political Prisoners" - Makomborero Haruzivishe

Another Nyatsime resident has been arrested in connection with the 14 June violence which rocked the area during the funeral wake of Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC)’s slain activist, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Moreblessing_Ali">Moreblessing Ali</a>.
The CCC confirmed the arrest of Felix whom it had <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/update-on-abducted-ccc-activist-felix-bhiri/">earlier reported as kidnapped</a> by ZANU PF members. Said the party in an update:
<blockquote>
ALERT: Another citizen, Felix Biri, has been caught in the Nyatsime dragnet. He was forcibly taken from his home on Thursday by unknown assailants, beaten &amp; tortured. He was later dumped at <a data-user-name="PoliceZimbabwe" href="https://twitter.com/PoliceZimbabwe/" rel="noopener user" target="_blank">@PoliceZimbabwe</a> CID Law &amp; Order. He’s now at Rotten Row awaiting his remand hearing.
</blockquote>
Biri is charged with engaging in Public Violence as defined in section 36 (1) (a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform,) Act, Chapter 9:23 in which Felix Biri is the accused person.
In a statement seen by Pindula News, the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Republic_Police">Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP)</a> say whilst in the company of several other people, Biri proceeded to the Nyatsime area, Beatrice and Chitungwiza where they engaged in acts of public violence.
They are said to have burnt down the house of ZANU PF Chairperson for Nyatsime George Murambatsvina, destroyed several shops and motor vehicles at Chibhanguza Complex, Nyatsime, Beatrice and also assaulted members of the Nyatsime community thereby causing massive destruction to property and inflicted serious injuries on them.
The other accused who are already on remand are:
<blockquote>
Precious Jeche, 
Misheck Guzha, 
Odias Makoma, 
Chauya Shopa, 
Zex Makoni, 
Roan Tsoka,
 Zephania Chinembiri, 
Shepherd Bulakasi, 
Tatenda Pindahama, 
Enock Tsoka, 
Emmanuel Muradzikwa, 
Robert Madzokere, 
Clever Sibanda and 
Ephrage Gwavava, 
</blockquote>
Other accomplices are still at large.
The investigating officer says Biri must be denied bail citing the following reasons: 
<blockquote>
i). Biri is facing an offence that when convicted, calls for a lengthy custodial sentence, therefore, he is likely to abscond trial since the state has an overwhelming evidence against him. 
ii). Biri and witnesses stay in the same area and if granted bail he is likely to interfere with them. 
iii). He is likely to commit similar offences because he vowed to revenge for the now deceased Moreblessing Ali who was murdered in the Nyatsime area. 
iv). Biri’s other accomplices are still at large and his release will further dampen any prospects of arresting them. 
</blockquote>
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

June 14 Violence: Another Nyatsime Resident Arrested

Three CCC members who were arrested on Wednesday in connection with the violence that rocked Nyatsime last week have been denied bail.
Precious Jeche (41), Misheck Guzha (62) and Odius Makoma (42) appeared before Harare Magistrate Dennis Mangosi on Thursday facing charges of public violence.
The magistrate ruled that the trio is likely to skip bail, hence it is risky to free them on bail pending trial.
The CCC members are accused of destroying houses and shops and also setting on fire a the house of the ZANU PF Chairperson for the Nyatsime area.
They are also accused of looting groceries and electrical gadgets at Chibhanguza Shopping Centre.
The value of the destroyed property is estimated at ZWL$5.8 million.
The violence erupted following the brutal murder of CCC activist Moreblessing by an alleged ZANU supporter, Pius Mukandi, alias Jamba on 24 May 2022.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.zbcnews.co.zw/ccc-hooligans-denied-bail/">ZBC News</a></h4>

3 CCC Members Denied Bail Over Nyatsime Violence

CCC member Moreblessing Ali’s alleged killer Pius Mukandi alias Jamba wanted to flee the country after committing the crime.
This was revealed when Jamba (31) appeared in court on Saturday before Harare magistrate Dennis Mangosi.
Jamba reportedly fled to his mother’s home area in Hurungwe’s Chidamoyo area after committing the crime.
He wanted to sell a grinding mill to raise transport money to Zambia or Mozambique.
He was, however, arrested by the police on Thursday, with the help of the community who became aware of his presence in the area.
The investigating officer identified in court as A Dimimbo also said Ali was not Jamba’s girlfriend, and that it was the first time for Jamba to see the deceased.
Ali’s body was discovered on 11 June in a disused well, in the Nyatsime area in Beatrice.
Police issued a statement saying the murder was not politically motivated as the two were allegedly lovers.
Jamba was remanded in custody to 1 July and advised to apply for bail at the High Court.
<h4>More: <a href="https://thestandard.newsday.co.zw/2022/06/19/revealed-killer-was-not-moreblessing-alis-lover/">The Standard</a></h4>

Pius Jamba Was Not Moreblessing Ali's Lover, Court Hears

Pius Mukandi alias Jamba, who is suspected to have killed <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Moreblessing_ali">Moreblessing Ali</a>, has admitted to killing the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Citizens%27_Coalition_for_Change">Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC)</a> activist.
He made the confession when he appeared before Harare magistrate Dennis Mangosi on Saturday, according to <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/indepth-jamba-admits-killing-ccc-activist-moreblessing-ali-court-hears-graphic-details-gruesome-murder/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>. He was remanded in custody to July 1.
Representing the state, Prosecutor Tapuwanashe Zvidzai told the court that Ali was murdered on the night of May 24. The court heard:
<blockquote>
On 24 May 2022, at around 2220 hours, the accused person was at Chibhanguza Night Club, Nyatsime, Beatrice where the now deceased Moreblessing Ali was in the company of Kirina Mayironi.
The now-deceased was also accompanied by her brown dog. The accused was armed with a catapult.
Without being provoked, the accused then alleged that the now-deceased’s dog was disturbing him of free movement and it was also responsible for the loss of his money.
</blockquote>
Zvidzai added:
<blockquote>
1). Ali and her friend Mayironi then left Chibhanguza Night Club and were about to head home when Mukandi dragged Ali.
2). Mayironi attempted to save Ali leading to Mukandi striking her with a stone propelled by a catapult and hitting her chin leaving an open wound.
3). Mayironi fled back into the Nightclub where other revellers rushed out to investigate what was happening. Mukandi shoot stones from the catapult and threw bricks directed at the nightclub, and nobody could apprehend him or rescue Ali.
4. Mukandi took Ali from the vicinity of Chibhanguza Night Club to an unknown secluded place where he struck her using an unknown instrument. He also strangled her using her trousers thereby causing her death.
5). Mukandi then used an unknown instrument to cut Ali’s body into three pieces consisting of the upper torso and two legs.
6). He then took the mutilated body parts to Plot 321 Dunnotar Farm, Beatrice belonging to his mother Laina Mukandi where he dumped them into a disused well.
7). Thereafter the accused person went on the run.
</blockquote>
Ali’s body was discovered on 11 June 2022 by Mukandi’s mother after a strong stench emanated from the disused well.
She advised police leading to the recovery of the now deceased’s dismembered body.
However, postmortem conducted on 14 June 2022 at Parirenyatwa Hospital, Harare by Forensic Pathologist Doctor Mayedo could not establish how Ali died.
However, the doctor concluded that the death might have been caused by strangulation. He further indicated that the Ali was chopped after she was already dead.
Mukandi was arrested on 16 June 2022, while on the run in Chidamoyo, Hurungwe, Mashonaland West Province.
He then voluntarily made indications to police showing them how he kidnapped, assaulted and killed Ali.
He also showed them the scene where he dismembered her body before dumping it.
Mukandi also led police to the recovery of a knife he allegedly used to cut Ali’s body.
He also showed the police Ali’s Huawei Honor cell phone, brown jacket, black trousers, pair of shoes and pants.
All these will be produced as evidence.
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Court Update: Pius Jamba Admits Killing Moreblessing Ali

The family of murdered CCC activist Moreblessing Ali has revealed a list of demands they want to be met before her burial.
The demands include, among other things, a public apology from Pius Jamba, the prime suspect in Ali’s murder, and the arrest and conviction of all people allegedly involved in the cover-up of the crime.
Ali was kidnapped by Jamba on the night of 24 May 2022, and her body was found on 11 June in a disused well at Laina Mukandi’s homestead in Nyatsime, Beatrice.
Laina Mukandi the mother of Jamba and his half-brother, Simba Chisango, a local ZANU PF chairman. Read the Ali family’s demands below:
<blockquote>
1. We want our family lawyer Job Sikhala to be released so that he can continue helping us on this murder case and also the leader of our search party Godfrey Sithole. No release – No burial.
2. We need to see the exact place where our sister was murdered. No crime scene visit – No burial.
3. We want an independent forensic investigation of Moreblessing’s body.
4. We want ZANU PF to stop meddling &amp; threatening our family, they have beaten some of our family members. Any threats or abuse – No burial.
5. We want to do the final service in Nyatsime and we don’t want the Nyatsime people who caused chaos to be present in particular, Masimbi Masimbi, Maoresa and Rosemary Chadzamira and all those who have been spreading lies. Any violence – No burial.
6. We want everyone who was involved in the crime and cover-up to be arrested and convicted. No conviction – no burial.
7. We want Jamba and all the culprits to apologise immediately. A public apology, because they wronged the whole nation not just our family. No apology – no burial.
8. We demand access to see the body of Moreblessing Ali.
</blockquote>

Ali Family Sets 8 Conditions For Moreblessing's Burial To Happen

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed the arrest of Pius Jamba, who was the main suspect in the kidnapping, murder and mutilation of CCC activist Moreblessing Ali.
In a statement released on Thursday, 16 June 2022, ZRP national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said Jamba murdered Ali on 24 May near Chibhanguza Shopping Centre and hid the body in a bush.
Police said that so far, they have not found any evidence suggesting that the murder was not politically motivated. Asst Comm Nyathi said:
<blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms that Pius Jamba was arrested in Chidamoyo area, Magunje on 16th June 2022 in connection with the callous murder of Moreblessing Ali in Nyatsime area, Chitungwiza on 24th May 2022.
Initial investigations have established that Pius Jamba killed Moreblessing Ali after dragging her from Chibhanguza Shopping Centre, hid the body in a bush and went to his parents’ homestead. He took a kitchen knife and a sack and went back to the bush.
The suspect then cut the body of Moreblessing Ali into pieces and made several trips to the well where he eventually dumped the body.
Investigations are underway to find out if Pius Jamba acted alone or in connivance with other suspects.
Police investigations have so far not found any political link to this sad and heinous crime.
</blockquote>
Asst Comm Nyathi said Jamba will be appearing in court soon.
<figure class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 1000px"><img alt="Image" decoding="async" height="1000" loading="lazy" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FVYN6WhVUAAYsis?format=jpg&amp;name=medium" width="1000"/><figcaption class="wp-caption-text">Pius Jamba</figcaption></figure>

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