Job Sikhala Alleges Prolonged Imprisonment Tied to Falsehood
Former opposition lawmaker Job Sikhala alleges that his prolonged imprisonment at Chikurubi Maximum Prison was fueled by false accusations linking him to an alleged plot involving Vice President Constantino Chiwenga to overthrow President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Sikhala, aged 51, endured nearly 600 consecutive days of pre-trial detention on charges of inciting violence, which drew widespread condemnation. He was eventually convicted and given a fully suspended jail sentence for the offense, a verdict he intends to challenge in the High Court.
Allies of Sikhala have linked his lengthy incarceration to attempts by the Zanu PF-led government to silence its most vocal critics. However, Sikhala himself presents another theory regarding his ordeal.
In an interview with veteran journalist Trevor Ncube, Sikhala asserted that he became a target due to unfounded rumors of his involvement in a coup plot.
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“The most damaging rumor that fueled my persecution, and which was entirely false, I want everyone to know about,” he stated. “It was alleged that Job Sikhala, through his actions or associations, was colluding with General Chiwenga to overthrow Emmerson Mnangagwa’s presidency in this country.”
Sikhala emphasized that this rumor was baseless and unfounded, stating, “I have never met General Chiwenga. I don’t know where this rumor came from, and I still wonder about its intention.”
He clarified that his only encounter with Chiwenga occurred over two decades ago, in July 1997, during a meeting with student leaders at the invitation of the late President Robert Mugabe, aimed at resolving grievances and issues related to demonstrations at the University of Zimbabwe.
Despite these claims, there has been no evidence of any attempted coup by Chiwenga against Mnangagwa.
