HARARE – Dozens of suspected Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) youths on Monday evening staged a flash demonstration outside the Ministry of Justice offices at the New Government Complex demanding the “immediate” and “unconditional” release of jailed opposition politicians Job Sikhala and Jacob Ngarivhume.
Over 30 youths took part in the protest.
The youths held placards, some inscribed “#FreeWiwa, #FreeJacob and #BlackMonday.”
The youths chanted songs in denouncing of the current Zanu PF government they accuse of persecuting the opposition politicians.
The youths later dispersed without incidence.
Sikhala, the sitting Zengeza West legislator, was recently fined US$600 following his conviction for a 2022 incident in which he was accused of obstructing the course of justice.
Sikhala has however remained under pre-trial detention since his arrest on June 14, 2022.
His many attempts to secure bail were rejected both at the Magistrates’ and High Courts.
Ngarivhume, who is leader of the opposition Transform Zimbabwe, was jailed for three years over a Twitter message calling for peaceful protests against unbridled high-level corruption under the current government.
The flash demonstration comes after graffiti demanding Sikhala’s release was inscribed on the walls of the Harare High Court Sunday night.
It is however the first time in a long time that protesters have staged a demonstration during the odd hours of the day after the state has previously reacted with brute force over anti-government protests.
