Citizens Coalition for Change’s Job Sikhala and Godfrey Sithole, who are facing charges of inciting violence, were today remanded in custody after spending the weekend in remand prison.
According to the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, the two lawmakers “legislators remain incarcerated pending the handing down of a ruling on their bail application on Wednesday by Deputy Chief Magistrate Godfrey Mandaza.”
Sikhala and Sithole’s lawyers Jeremiah Bamu and Alec Muchadehama claim that the charges laid against the two were created by the state.
The state claims that Sikhala uttered remarks that incited violence in Nyatsime, Beatrice, at a memorial service of slain Citizens Coaltion for Change member, Moreblessing Ali.
Court documents indicate that Sikhala allegedly urged Zimbabweans to avenge Ali’s murder while Sithole is said to have participated in an event that incited violence.
The state claims that Sithole allegedly organized transport for CCC members who attacked Zanu PF activists in Nyatsime.