
In a significant development on Tuesday, the Zimbabwean court ordered the release of opposition politician Job Sikhala after nearly 600 days of pre-trial detention.
The charges against Sikhala, 51, stemmed from allegations of inciting public violence in 2022.
Sikhala is a prominent leader in the opposition party Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) and has a history of numerous arrests dating back to the start of his political career in 1999.
The opposition figure found himself behind bars in 2022 on charges of obstruction of justice and incitement of public violence.
These charges arose following Sikhala’s statement accusing the ruling party, ZANU PF, of killing an opposition activist—a claim vehemently denied by the party.
Throughout the legal proceedings, Sikhala maintained his innocence, consistently denying all charges brought against him.
On Tuesday, a Harare magistrate delivered a conviction for inciting public violence but opted for a suspended two-year sentence.
The decision took into account Sikhala’s extensive time already spent in custody.
Addressing journalists outside the court, Sikhala’s lawyer, Harrison Nkomo, announced his client’s imminent release.
Supporters of Sikhala gathered at the court, expressing their joy through songs and dances as news of his freedom spread.
Nkomo affirmed that Sikhala, also a lawyer by profession, plans to appeal the conviction.
“We are not resting. What we want is an acquittal,” he emphasized, highlighting the ongoing legal efforts to clear Sikhala of the charges.
The release marks the end of Sikhala’s prolonged detention, and his legal team is determined to pursue a complete exoneration.
While confined to the high-walled Chikurubi maximum prison in Harare, known for housing Zimbabwe’s most dangerous criminals, Sikhala communicated his resilience through spirited letters, urging solidarity.
Notably, Sikhala holds the distinction of being the only Zimbabwean politician subjected to such an extended period of pre-trial detention.
His release has brought relief to his supporters and intensified discussions around political freedoms and justice within the nation.