Former lawmaker Job Sikhala will face finally face trial on November 21 2023 for allegedly spreading false information on Twitter. He is accused of claiming that a police officer killed a baby with a baton stick.
The trial will be held at the Harare Magistrate’s Court before magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa.
Sikhala had applied to challenge his continued detention, but his application was dismissed as the State said it was ready for trial and had set a date. The State also failed to submit its written arguments.
“The application is no longer relevant. We have prepared for trial and the date is November 21.
“We also acknowledge that the accused did not receive the State papers. Our printer is under repair. The defence counsel can collect the papers from our office.
“I have spoken to my colleague and he agreed to waive his 14 days remand and be remanded directly to the trial court,” prosecutor Pardon Dziva said.
Sikhala was arrested in 2021 outside the Harare Magistrate’s Court, where he was representing freelance journalist Hopewell Chino’ono, who faced similar charges.
CCC lawmaker Fadzayi Mahere was also charged with the same offence and was recently convicted, but avoided jail time and paid a fine.
Sikhala has been in prison for over a year and faces more criminal charges, including inciting public violence and public violence.
