Zimbabwean Opposition Figure Job Sikhala Given Suspended Sentence for Inciting Public Violence

Zimbabwean opposition figure, Job Sikhala, has been handed a 2-year suspended sentence for inciting public violence. After spending nearly 600 days in pre-trial detention, Sikhala will soon walk free.

In June 2022, Sikhala was detained following the murder of opposition activist Moreblessing Ali. He was accused of encouraging his supporters to react violently to Ali’s killing. Despite denying the charge, Sikhala was convicted of inciting public violence on Jan. 24 in Harare.

Sikhala’s lawyer stated that they plan to appeal against the conviction. The 51-year-old politician had been held in the maximum-security Chikurubi prison in Harare, which is known for housing the country’s most dangerous criminals. His former colleague and opposition parliament member, Godfrey Sithole, also received the same sentence.