Wiwa walks free

Oscar J Jeke

Zim Now Reporter

In a major development, the Zimbabwean High Court has quashed the conviction of former legislator Job Sikhala. The charges stemmed from two separate incidents – incitement to public violence and publishing falsehoods.

Sikhala, a prominent opposition activist, was initially convicted by a lower court for allegedly inciting violence following the death of opposition figure Moreblessing Ali. He was further accused of spreading misinformation by claiming a police officer used excessive force, causing the death of a baby.

Sikhala's legal team, comprising Harrison Nkomo, Jeremiah Bamu, and Makomborero Mutimukuru, successfully appealed the verdict. Justices Pisirayi Kwenda and Benjamin Chikowero presided over the appeal and ruled in favor of Sikhala.

"The appeal be and is hereby allowed and the appellant's conviction is quashed," the judges declared.

This acquittal comes just a week after Sikhala's release from prison, where he spent a significant period – 595 days – in solitary confinement. Notably, his previous conviction for communicating falsehoods resulted in a suspended sentence, sparing him from immediate jail time.

Sikhala's earlier conviction and sentence by Magistrate Feresi Chakanyuka included a nine-month suspended jail term and a US$500 fine.