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Prosper Dembedza Herald Correspondent
A freedom bid by CCC legislator Job Sikhala hit a brick wall yesterday after his bail application was dismissed for lack of merit.
Sikhala is charged with obstructing or defeating the course of justice after he allegedly posted a video on social media, calling for revenge for the killing of Moreblessing Ali in the Nyatsime area of Chitungwiza in July this year.
In dismissing Sikhala’s application, Harare magistrate Mr Taurai Manwere said he will never be persuaded by public opinion to grant bail where there are no reasonable changed circumstances.
“In this application, the defence is basing on public opinion, perception and clamour, and I refuse to be persuaded by that,” he ruled.
Mr Manwere said there are no changed circumstances put forward warranting Sikhala’s release on bail.
He further ruled that it was not in dispute that investigations were complete and that Sikhala had been furnished with a trial date and State papers, implying there was, indeed, progress in the case.
In his application for bail pending trial on changed circumstances, Sikhala through his lawyer Mr Jeremiah Bhamu, submitted that the public was losing trust in the country’s judiciary system as a result of the continued detention of his client.
The matter was deferred to November 2.
Allegations are that between May 25 and June 16, Sikhala, knowing that Moreblessing Ali’s murder case was under investigation and a manhunt for the suspect Pius Jamba Mukandi was underway, addressed mourners in Nyatsime.
The address was uploaded online, including on YouTube, in which Sikhala claimed Ali was allegedly murdered by Zanu PF supporters, a view seen as intended to mislead police in their investigations.
The State alleges that as a result of Sikhala’s utterances, police investigations could have suffered potential prejudice.
His actions, according to the State, could have derailed the natural wheels of justice by misleading police investigations.
Online Reporter