Sikhala claims punished on false links to Mnangagwa ‘coup plot’
Ex-MP says long jail motivated by suspicion he was aiding a Chiwenga ‘coup’ bid
By Staff Reporter
Firebrand opposition politician and former MP Job Sikhala claims his long imprisonment which ended recently was incited by false claims he was part of a plot allegedly fronted by Vice President Constantino Chiwenga to overthrow President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
The former CCC lawmaker was speaking in an interview broadcast on social media by veteran journalist and media businessman Trevor Ncube.
Sikhala endured nearly 600 days of continuous imprisonment at Chikurubi Maximum Prison in Harare on charges of inciting public violence in the wake of slain CCC activist Moreblessing Ali’s memorial in Nyatsime, Chitungwiza June 2022.
He was convicted on trial but has vowed to appeal the verdict.
The fiery politician and lawyer said his punishing imprisonment had all to do with false claims he was plotting a coup against Mnangagwa.
“The most dangerous rumour which hardened my oppressors, which was spread and false, I want this to be known by everyone, was that Job Sikhala in whatever he has been doing or whatever he was doing has been used and was working in collusion with General Chiwenga to overthrow Emmerson Mnangagwa’s presidency in this country.
“A pure lie created; I don’t know for what purpose. So, when this rumour was also conveyed to my oppressors, my oppressors became hardened through a lie.”
