By Court Reporter
Prominent opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) and Zengeza West legislator Job Sikhala, has been found guilty of attempting to obstruct the course of justice.
The charges stem from a video he posted, which accused Zanu PF militants of the murder of fellow opposition activist Moreblessing Ali in June last year.
Sikhala’s arrest took place in June of last year, and he has since been detained in jail. Notably, Sikhala also serves as the legal counsel for Ali’s family.
The family has taken a strong stance in response to Sikhala’s conviction, refusing to proceed with Ali’s burial until he is released.
Delivering the verdict, Harare magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa affirmed that the prosecution successfully demonstrated that Sikhala was responsible for creating and sharing the video alleging the involvement of Zanu PF activists in Ali’s murder.
“The court is convinced, beyond any reasonable doubt, that Sikhala personally recorded and uploaded the video,” said Gofa adding that “Despite being aware of ongoing police investigations into the murder, Sikhala deliberately made false statements that misled the authorities.”
A sentencing hearing is scheduled for this afternoon, where Sikhala will learn his fate in this highly contentious case.
Sikhala’s conviction comes barely a few days after the imprisonment to three years of another political activist Jacob Ngarivhume on charges of inciting public violence.
