MDC Alliance Deputy Chair Job Sikhala Denied Bail
MDC Alliance Deputy Chairperson Job Sikhala has been denied bail.
Sikhala who is also Zengeza West Member of Parliament was remanded in custody to 17 September for routine remand.
Sikhala was arrested on the 21st of August and charged with inciting public violence.
In denying bail Harare Magistrate Lazini Ncube said that it took the police a long time to arrest Sikhala and that he did not submit himself to the police despite knowing that he was wanted for an interview.
Sikhala’s defence counsel made up of Advocate Eric Matinenga, Jeremiah Bhamu and Harrison Nkomo had told the court that their client was entitled to bail he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
They had also brought three witnesses to prove that their client was a strong candidate for bail including Beatrice Mtetwa who said she represented Sikhala in Masvingo when he was facing treason charges.
The state, on the other hand, argued that it took the police a long time to arrest and to locate Sikhala from his hiding place yet he knew that he was on a list wanted persons.
It was also revealed that Sikhala has two other pending cases under investigation at St Mary’s Police Station, for assault and for contravening the Urban Council’s Act.
This was said by the investigating officer, Detective Assistant Inspector Victor Mukohwa, giving evidence for the State as to why Sikhala was not a proper candidate to be granted bail.
Addressing journalists outside the court on Thursday, Sikhala’s lawyer Harrison Nkomo said they disagreed with the ruling and added that Sikhala had instructed them to file an appeal with the High Court.
Last week, Sikhala had his initial application against his placement on remand dismissed by the same Magistrates court.
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