HARARE – Job Sikhala’s conviction for obstructing the course of justice was quashed by the High Court in Harare on appeal Monday, but the former Zengeza West MP remains jailed on unrelated charges.
Sikhala was convicted by Harare magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa in May over a video posted online in which he blamed Zanu PF supporters for the killing of Citizens Coalition for Change activist Moreblessing Ali near Chitungwiza. Prosecutors accused him of trying to mislead the police.
Justices Pisirayi Kwenda and Benjamin Chikowero, sitting as an appeal court, on Tuesday quashed Sikhala’s conviction, for which a wholly suspended six-month sentence and a US$600 fine had been imposed.
Justice Kwenda delivered a brief ruling, indicating that the full judgement was to follow.
“The appeal is allowed. The conviction is quashed and set aside. The accused is found not guilty and acquitted,” Kwenda said.
Sikhala, who arrived in court in a prison truck in leg irons, was in high spirits as he entered the packed court. He hugged friends and family, even taking time to comfort a man he referred to as “my son” who broke into tears when his eyes met the politician who has been in jail for 536 days.
“You don’t have to cry. I’m okay my son, you have to be strong,” Sikhala said, helping the man to wipe off his tears.
Sikhala remains in jail over three other cases – one of publishing falsehoods and two cases of incitement to commit public violence emanating from two different events.
The former lawmaker was arrested in June last year on allegations of inciting the public to avenge the death of Ali, who was murdered in cold blood by a Zanu PF supporter, Pius Jamba, who is awaiting his trial verdict on December 4.
Sikhala, a lawyer, was representing Ali’s family after she went missing.
His supporters say he is a political prisoner and have demanded his unconditional release.
