Supporters of Job Sikhala Solidarity Movement are mobilizing citizens to show solidarity with the imprisoned former MP as he appears at Harare Magistrates Court this Wednesday for a ruling on his incitement charge.

Rutendo Maraire

Sikhala has been in prison for more than 700 days and if he is acquitted on Wednesday, he will be reuniting with his family while if convicted, he will be sent to jail.

Sikhala, a former MP in the opposition Citizens' Coalition for Change (CCC) party, was arrested on 14 June 2022 after attending the funeral of political activist, Moreblessing Ali, who had been missing for three weeks before being found murdered and mutilated on 11 June 2022.

The Solidarity Movement President Darlington Chigwena said people must attend and maintain order during and after the court session.

“We call upon all citizens of Zimbabwe to wear black on this great day, mourning the death of democracy. We also emphasize that citizens should maintain peace and unity in the face of injustice and extreme provocation from the regime in Harare,” he said.

The movement president said Sikhala has inspired millions of Zimbabwe through regular messages written from his prison cells at Chikurubi Maximum Prison.

He was convicted on 3 May 2023 for obstruction of justice and given a suspended six-month sentence with an option of paying US$ 600 or spending six months in jail.

But the sentence was overturned by the High Court.

“Job Sikhala has however remained unshaken by the shameless persecution, he has demonstrated unmatched resolve and an undying passion to fight for a better Zimbabwe,” he said

Sikhala is set to appear before Harare Magistrates Court for his final trial this Wednesday.

The movement is calling for him to be released as they believe he is in prison for a crime he did not commit.

“Our position remains, Job Sikhala is innocent and must be released. 24 January is freedom day not only for Job Sikhala but for the generality of Zimbabwe's citizens who are suffering the brunt of brutal subjugation,” he said.

Sikhala has been kept in prison pending trial for two other charges of incitement to commit violence and disorderly conduct at Chikurubhi Maximum Security Prison in the capital Harare.

Chigwena assured that they will come back to the citizens for the way forward if the judgement is not in their favour.