Job Sikhala, a former Member of Parliament for the Zengeza West constituency, has said he is working with the Ali family to ensure a prompt burial for Moreblessing Ali, a CCC activist who was killed in 2022. Sikhala is the family’s lawyer, and they had decided not to bury Ali until Sikhala was released from prison. Sikhala had been imprisoned for inciting violence which erupted in Nyatsime during Ali’s funeral but was recently released when his sentence was suspended. In a statement seen by Pindula News, Sikhala says it is important to bring closure to the case. He said: 
<blockquote>
It’s sad that Moreblessing Ali is still not buried since my arrest. This issue needs to come to closure. I am engaging my clients, the Ali family, to make arrangements for her burial as soon as possible.
</blockquote>
Ali was murdered by a man named Pius Mukandi, also known as Pius Jamba. He has been found guilty and sentenced to 30 years in prison. The exact reason for the murder is unknown, but the opposition party CCC claims that Ali was killed for opposing the ruling ZANU PF party.
Ali was kidnapped and killed sometime between May 24 and June 11, 2022. Her body, which was badly decomposed, was found in a well at the Chisango homestead in Nyatsime. It was discovered by Mukandi’s mother. At first, the Chisango family members were suspected, and the CCC claimed they were responsible for Ali’s abduction. A postmortem examination could not determine the cause of death, but a pathologist suggested that strangulation may have been the cause, and Ali’s body was dismembered after death.
Mukandi was arrested on June 16, 2022, while he was hiding in Chidamoyo, Hurungwe. He confessed to the police, showing them how he kidnapped, assaulted, and killed Ali. He also led them to the place where he dismembered her body and showed them the knife he allegedly used. Mukandi also helped the police recover Ali’s belongings, including her cellphone, jacket, trousers, shoes, and pants, which were presented as evidence in the case.
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Pindula News

Job Sikhala Engages Ali Family For Burial Of Slain CCC Activist

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has sparked outrage by blocking a solidarity rally for jailed opposition politician Job Wiwa Sikhala. The rally, organised by the Job Sikhala Solidarity Council, was intended to put pressure on the government to release Sikhala, who has been in prison since June 2022 on charges of incitement to public violence. The police claimed that the rally did not meet the requirements of the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Maintenance_of_Peace_and_Order_Bill_(MOPA)/">Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (MOPA)</a> and therefore could not be sanctioned, <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200021202/police-block-sikhala-rally">NewsDay</a> reported citing a letter from the police. Read the letter in part:
<blockquote>
The notification to hold a procession rally in solidarity with Job Sikhala at Huruyadzo Community Hall on December 23 is prohibited. The notification does not meet the requirements of section 7 of the Mopa Act. Therefore, your event was not sanctioned.
</blockquote>
In response, the organisers of the rally accused the police of using Mopa as a pretext to stifle dissent and deny citizens their constitutional rights. They condemned the “systematic restriction of all activities done in the name of Job Sikhala by the Zimbabwean State”. They said:
<blockquote>
The Job Sikhala Solidarity Council notes with disgust the blocking of the December 23 solidarity rally by Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), it said.
The ZRP claims that the notification failed to meet the requirements of Mopa, an excuse that has been consistently used to deny citizens their freedom of association and assembly.
It is apparent that the name Job Sikhala attracts repression from the regime of Emmerson Mnangagwa. The State has caged Sikhala for more than 18 months, but they still shiver at the mere mention of Sikhala’s name.
The council will not be deterred by this setback. A series of solidarity activities are lined up to rally the millions of pro-democracy campaigners in Zimbabwe and beyond to collectively demand the release of Job Sikhala.
</blockquote>
This incident is seen as yet another example of the government’s crackdown on opposition voices and the suppression of freedom of assembly and association. It highlights the ongoing concerns about democracy and human rights in Zimbabwe. The blocking of the rally and Sikhala’s continued detention without trial raises questions about the fairness and impartiality of the judicial system.
<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2022/06/14/just-in-moreblessing-ali-family-lawyer-job-sikhala-arrested/">Job Sikhala was arrested for allegedly inciting violence</a> following the gruesome murder of activist Moreblessing Ali. In May 2023, Ali, who was a member of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), the main opposition party in Zimbabwe, was brutally murdered by Pius Mukandi Jamba, and her mutilated body was found dumped in a well in Nyatsime. During Ali’s funeral wake, clashes erupted between ZANU PF and CCC supporters. Sikhala, who represented Ali’s family in seeking justice, was arrested and held in prison without trial for inciting the violence.
Meanwhile, Pius Jamba, the perpetrator of Ali’s murder, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/12/20/moreblessing-alis-killer-pius-mukandi-sentenced-to-30-years-in-jail/">was sentenced to 30 years in prison</a> by Harare High Court Judge Esther Muremba. However, Sikhala remains in prison, having spent 555 days in pre-trial detention as of December 22, 2023, for his involvement in seeking justice for Moreblessing Ali.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

ZRP Blocks A Solidarity Rally For Jailed Job Sikhala

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed that they are currently investigating an assault case that took place in Nyatsime, where the victim was accused of stealing a speaker. A video of the incident has gone viral on social media, showing individuals wearing ZANU PF shirts violently attacking the alleged thief. The victim can be heard denying the accusation and pleading for his life, but one of the assailants responds by threatening him with death over the stolen speaker. The police report seen by Pindula News reads:
<blockquote>
The ZRP confirms that investigations are being conducted in connection with a video which has gone viral in which two men are seen viciously assaulting a victim for allegedly stealing from them in Nyatsime area. 
</blockquote>
The report further states that further details will be provided as the investigation progresses. Watch the video below for more:
<div class="wp-video" style="width: 368px;">
<video class="wp-video-shortcode" controls="controls" height="656" id="video-262106-1" preload="metadata" width="368"><source src="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Assault-Nyatsime-Speaker.mp4?_=1" type="video/mp4"/><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Assault-Nyatsime-Speaker.mp4">https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Assault-Nyatsime-Speaker.mp4</a></video></div>
Government critics have often argued that ZANU PF supporters engage in criminal activities without facing consequences as the police are afraid of taking action against them. In some instances, it is claimed that the perpetrators would have been incited to commit offences by senior ZANU PF officials which makes it difficult for police to execute their duties and responsibilities. However, law enforcement agencies maintain that they enforce the law impartially, irrespective of an individual’s political affiliation.
ZANU PF youth leader, Lewis Matutu, strongly denounced the violence and called upon the police to conduct a thorough investigation and prosecute those responsible. In his statement, he emphasized that the individuals involved in the criminal act should be apprehended without any bias or favouritism. Matutu said:
<blockquote>
Those are criminals @PoliceZimbabwe, arrest them without fear or favor, however, it’s not fair to associate such criminal behaviour with @ZANUPF_Official simply because of an individual putting on a shirt with @edmnangagwa face NO.
</blockquote>
He emphasised that there is no connection between the incident and the upcoming Zimbabwean elections in 2023. Zimbabwe is scheduled to hold elections on August 23, 2023 to elect a president, councilors and members of parliament (MPs).
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ZRP Investigates Assault Case In Nyatsime Involving Speaker Theft Accusations

Police on Friday, 09 June arrested 36 Nyatsime residents for allegedly destroying ZANU PF offices and some houses in the area.
According to the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum, the 36 said they had nothing to do with clashes between ZANU PF and CCC members that occurred in the area prior to their arrest. <a href="https://twitter.com/ZimHRNGOForum/status/1667797432199966722">Said the Forum</a>:
<blockquote>
36 Nyatsime residents were on Friday evening arrested on allegations of destroying ZANU PF offices and some houses in the Nyatsime area.
The 36 claimed that they were victims of dragnet arrest which followed clashes between rival political groupings pitting ZANU PF on one side and the opposition CCC on the other.
The accused appeared before a Chitungwiza court on 10 June 2023. Through their lawyers, the accused registered various complaints of assault and property damage by police upon arrest.
They also alleged that they were forced to chant and sing chimurenga songs. Their bail application is set for Monday.
Darlington Marange and Noble Chinhanu of Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum are representing the accused.
</blockquote>
In June 2022, police arrested 14 Nyatsime residents and CCC legislators <a href="https://pindula.co.zw/Job_Sikhala">Job Sikhala</a> (Zengeza West) and Godfrey Sithole (Chitungwiza North) over violent clashes that rocked the area following the murder of <a href="https://pindula.co.zw/Moreblessing_Ali">Moreblessing Ali</a>.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Police Arrest 36 Nyatsime Residents

Job Sikhala, Zengeza West Member of Parliament, has been convicted of <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">obstruction of justice</a> in the <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">murder investigations</a> of Moreblessing Ali. He allegedly interfered with police investigations and obstructed the course of justice.
Sentencing is scheduled for later today by <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">Harare magistrate</a> Gofa. 
The opposition <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">Citizens Coalition</a> for Change (CCC) expressed frustration on social media, stating that Job Sikhala’s charges were trumped up. Read the post:
<blockquote>
BREAKING: Our MP, Hon @JobSikhala1 has been convicted on a trumped up case in which he is accused of obstruction of justice. He’s being punished by the regime in Harare for representing Moreblessing Ali who was brutally murdered by a Zanu PF member in Nyatsime. We condemn this unjust weaponisation of the law and we insist that he’s innocent. Sentence at 14.15
</blockquote>
According to the party’s spokesperson, Fadzayi Mahere, Sikhala’s conviction is an unconstitutional weaponisation of the law against government critics. She said:
<blockquote>
BREAKING: <a class="link-complex" data-user-name="JobSikhala1" href="https://twitter.com/JobSikhala1/" rel="noopener user" target="_blank">@JobSikhala1</a> has been convicted on a charge of attempting to defeat the course of justice. This is an unconstitutional weaponization of the law against Govt critics. Sikhala is being punished for legally representing Moreblessing Ali who was murdered for her politics.
</blockquote>
Sikhala was arrested last year in June during the funeral wake of slain CCC activist Moreblessing Ali. He has been in prison ever since.
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Job Sikhala Convicted Of Obstruction Of Justice

Friends of jailed Zengeza West Member of Parliament, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Job_Sikhala">Job Sikhala</a>, yesterday accused the police of blocking a prayer session for Sikhala which was supposed to be held at his Chitungwiza home on Wednesday.
Sikhala has been in prison since June when he was arrested for inciting public violence which erupted on 14 June during the funeral wake of slain <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Citizens%27_Coalition_for_Change">Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC)</a> activist, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Moreblessing_Ali">Moreblessing Ali</a>.
Friends of Job Sikhala Solidarity Trust spokesperson Emmanuel Zellers Gumbo said police barricaded roads leading to Sikhala house in Chitungwiza. He told NewsDay:
<blockquote>
We were supposed to have a prayer session around 5pm at Sikhala’s place and police at St Mary’s had given us the greenlight to do so.  However, we were surprised to see truckloads of police barricading the road which leads to his place. We couldn’t even proceed with our prayer session.
We are dealing with a regime which seeks to control and monitor everyone. It was just a prayer, but the current regime is even afraid of prayer gatherings. We wanted to pray in solidarity, not only with Sikhala, but also the people since the Judiciary had failed us.  Our only hope is God. We can’t continue to see this level of injustice.
</blockquote>
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Paul_Nyathi">Paul Nyathi</a> said he was not aware of the incident.
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Sikhala's Friends Say Police Blocked A Prayer Session For The Jailed MP

The family of slain opposition <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Citizens%27_Coalition_for_Change">Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC)</a> activist <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Moreblessing_Ali">Moreblessing Ali</a> yesterday vowed that her remains will not be buried until their lawyer, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Job_Sikhala">Job Sikhala</a>, has been freed.
Their remarks come after an alleged attempt by the State to have a pauper burial for Moreblessing on Wednesday. Family members resisted the plan and threatened legal action. Ali’s mother, Judith Chisiiwa told <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200005629/no-ali-burial-until-sikhala-is-freed">NewsDay</a> on Thursday:
<blockquote>
Sikhala helped us a lot when we were searching for our daughter. He went out of his way to ensure everything was in order, including providing legal representation. When Moreblessing was found, her body was already decomposing and burial won’t change a thing for us. We are prepared to wait.
It’s very difficult for us as a family, but we will not back down. Right now we can’t even imagine getting another lawyer on this matter because we know that we have worked with Sikhala.
</blockquote>
It is alleged that a distant uncle had approached some relatives informing them that there was intent to bury Ali’s remains on Wednesday at Mabvuku Cemetary.
The attempt failed after the funeral parlour which was handling the burial cancelled the arrangement.
Asked by NewsDay to give an account of what transpired yesterday, Moreblessing Ali’s mother said details were still sketchy.
Ali was killed between May and June this year following her abduction in her Nyatsime home area on May 24. Her alleged killer, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Pius_Jamba">Pius Mukandi</a>, alias <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Pius_Jamba">Jamba</a> was arrested on 16 June after a three-week manhunt.
Ali’s lawyer, Job Sikhala was arrested during the clashes and accused of inciting public violence which erupted on 14 June and he remains behind bars. Sikhala, the Zengeza West Member of Parliament has been denied bail 10 times.
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Ali Family Says Slain Moreblessing Ali Won't Be Buried Until Job Sikhala Has Been Freed

The government claims Zengeza West MP, Job Sikhala (CCC), who has been in pre-trial detention for more than 100 days on allegations of inciting violence, violated past bail conditions, thereby resulting in the courts rejecting his new bail applications.
The outspoken lawmaker is said to have been arrested 67 times but has no single conviction. He has been denied bail five times by the courts in the current case.
Sikhala, Chitungwiza North MP, Godfrey Sithole, and other CCC activists from Nyatsime were arrested on 14 June 2022 after attending the funeral of political activist Moreblessing Ali.
Ali was brutally murdered and her remains were dumped in a disused well and were only discovered three weeks after she had gone missing.
Responding to questions in the Senate on Thursday from Senators who wanted to know how the government was handling the matter, Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Ziyambi Ziyambi, said:
<blockquote>
… my understanding is that you are on bail on a specific case and there are conditions that are attached to that.
If you violate your bail conditions then the bail will not be granted should you commit another offence. That is a general principle.
The individual so concerned, my understanding which I just read, not to say that I was schooled by the Judiciary from going to ask about judicial decision but that is not my duty; the decision of the courts was on the basis of the fact that bail was granted, bail conditions were violated and that is the reason to deny bail.
… When we are in court, sometimes as politicians, we must refrain from abusing the courts for political expediency.
</blockquote>
| <a href="https://cite.org.zw/ziyambi-wades-into-job-sikhala-case/">CITE</a>

Ziyambi Says Sikhala Has Been Denied Bail Because He Violated Previous Bail Conditions

Another Nyatsime resident has been arrested in connection with the 14 June violence which rocked the area during the funeral wake of Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC)’s slain activist, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Moreblessing_Ali">Moreblessing Ali</a>.
The CCC confirmed the arrest of Felix whom it had <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/update-on-abducted-ccc-activist-felix-bhiri/">earlier reported as kidnapped</a> by ZANU PF members. Said the party in an update:
<blockquote>
ALERT: Another citizen, Felix Biri, has been caught in the Nyatsime dragnet. He was forcibly taken from his home on Thursday by unknown assailants, beaten &amp; tortured. He was later dumped at <a data-user-name="PoliceZimbabwe" href="https://twitter.com/PoliceZimbabwe/" rel="noopener user" target="_blank">@PoliceZimbabwe</a> CID Law &amp; Order. He’s now at Rotten Row awaiting his remand hearing.
</blockquote>
Biri is charged with engaging in Public Violence as defined in section 36 (1) (a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform,) Act, Chapter 9:23 in which Felix Biri is the accused person.
In a statement seen by Pindula News, the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Republic_Police">Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP)</a> say whilst in the company of several other people, Biri proceeded to the Nyatsime area, Beatrice and Chitungwiza where they engaged in acts of public violence.
They are said to have burnt down the house of ZANU PF Chairperson for Nyatsime George Murambatsvina, destroyed several shops and motor vehicles at Chibhanguza Complex, Nyatsime, Beatrice and also assaulted members of the Nyatsime community thereby causing massive destruction to property and inflicted serious injuries on them.
The other accused who are already on remand are:
<blockquote>
Precious Jeche, 
Misheck Guzha, 
Odias Makoma, 
Chauya Shopa, 
Zex Makoni, 
Roan Tsoka,
 Zephania Chinembiri, 
Shepherd Bulakasi, 
Tatenda Pindahama, 
Enock Tsoka, 
Emmanuel Muradzikwa, 
Robert Madzokere, 
Clever Sibanda and 
Ephrage Gwavava, 
</blockquote>
Other accomplices are still at large.
The investigating officer says Biri must be denied bail citing the following reasons: 
<blockquote>
i). Biri is facing an offence that when convicted, calls for a lengthy custodial sentence, therefore, he is likely to abscond trial since the state has an overwhelming evidence against him. 
ii). Biri and witnesses stay in the same area and if granted bail he is likely to interfere with them. 
iii). He is likely to commit similar offences because he vowed to revenge for the now deceased Moreblessing Ali who was murdered in the Nyatsime area. 
iv). Biri’s other accomplices are still at large and his release will further dampen any prospects of arresting them. 
</blockquote>
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