Opposition MDC vice chairperson Job Sikhala who was expected to appear at the Harare Magistrate Court this afternoon to answer to subversion charges went missing amid fears the stage could have clandestinely taken him to Bikita where he allegedly committed the crime of subversion.
Sikhala who was arrested yesterday following his remarks at a Bikita rally in which he said his party will overthrow President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government before 2023, was initially set to appear at the Harare Magistrates Court before his case was moved to Masvingo and later reversed back to Harare.
Despite indications by the National Prosecuting Authority that Sikhala will appear at the Harare Magistrates Court, his lawyers Obey Shava and Jeremiah Bhamu of the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights were shocked to notice that their client was missing.
“Hon. Job Sikhala’s lawyers Obey Shava and Jeremiah Mutongi Bamu briefing ZLHR Executive Director Roselyn Hanzi after they failed to locate their client, who all along had been detained at Harare Central Police Station pending appearance at Harare Magistrates court,” said ZLHR in a statement this afternoon.
The ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services has since tweeted that Sikhala was taken to Bikita where he allegedly committed the crime.
“We have noted Media Reports alleging that Hon Sikhala is missing. Those reports are inaccurate. The courts have directed that his case should be tried in Bikita. Hon Sikhala is being transported by the police to Bikita where the alleged crime was committed.”
Meanwhile, police have also arrested and charged MDC Youth Assembly Secretary-General Gift Ostallos Siziba with incitement to commit public violence.
Siziba is expected to appear in court tomorrow.
