Zimbabwe: Former MP’s Convictions Should Be Overturned

On January 30, 2024, Job Sikhala, a former leader of the opposition, was freed after 595 days in jail without a fair reason. Sikhala was arrested on June 14, 2022, and found guilty on May 3, 2023, of getting in the way of justice. He could have paid a 811 CAD fine instead of serving a six-month sentence on hold.

Again, on January 30, 2024, he faced conviction and got a two-year suspended sentence. This was for sharing a video on Facebook where he said a police officer had killed a baby. However, the law used to convict him is no longer valid.

The authorities in Zimbabwe need to immediately cancel Sikhala’s convictions and sentence. They should also stop misusing the legal system to go after and scare leaders of the opposition.

download a pdf of 2nd ua 90/22

Here’s what you can do:

Write to the President of Zimbabwe urging him to:

  • Ensure that convictions and sentence of Job Sikhala and Godfrey Sithole are immediately quashed and to end the intimidation and harassment against them and other opposition members and leaders.
  • Uphold the constitution and the country’s international human rights obligations including by ensuring respect for the human rights of everyone.
  • Drop all charges against the other 14 men arrested with Sikhala and whose trial is ongoing.

Write to:

President of the Republic of Zimbabwe

Emmerson Mnangagwa

Office of the President

Munhumutapa Building

Samora Machel Avenue

Private Bag 7700, Causeway,

Harare, Zimbabwe

Email: info@opc.gov.zw

And copy:

His Excellency Cecil Toendepi CHINENERE

Ambassador

Embassy of the Republic of Zimbabwe

332 Somerset Street West

Ottawa, ON K2P 0J9

Tel: (613) 421-1242 Fax: (613) 422-7403

Email: zimfaottawa@gmail.com


Abduction and Tragic End of Moreblessing Ali

On May 24, 2022, Moreblessing Ali, a CCC activist, was kidnapped at Chibhanguza shopping center in Nyatsime, near Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare. Witnesses identified her abductor as a known ZANU PF party activist. Sadly, on June 11, Moreblessing’s disfigured body was discovered in a well at a ZANU PF supporter’s home. ZANU PF followers quickly claimed her abduction and death were due to personal issues, not politics.

Job Sikhala, a CCC MP and lawyer with 67 arrests for political reasons, led the search for Moreblessing. He was chosen by her family as their lawyer and called for justice, facing opposition from ZANU PF. Despite being Moreblessing’s hometown, ZANU PF tried to prevent gatherings in Nyatsime to mourn her. During her funeral on June 14, conflicts between ZANU PF and CCC supporters led to damage. Sikhala and another CCC MP, Godfrey Sithole, were arrested for allegedly inciting violence. On July 14, Sikhala faced additional charges of obstructing justice, risking a prison term or fin

Please take action as soon as possible until May 7, 2024! The UA will be duly updated should there be the need for further action.

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