Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. Zengeza West MP Job Sikhala (MDC Alliance) was on Wednesday denied bail a sixth time by a Harare magistrate.
Harare magistrate Taurai Manuwere ruled that there were no changed circumstances from the last time Sikhala was denied his freedom.
Sikhala is accused of obstructing justice for allegedly recording a video threatening the murderers of CCC activist Moreblessing Ali.
He is also charged with inciting public violence under the same facts.
Sikhala told the magistrate that the public mood was that he should be released, citing an online petition signed by over 40 000 people.
However, Manuwere ruled that public feelings had no bearing on bail, adding that the defence had offered nothing to prove that Sikhala would not re-offend or abscond, which are the reasons bail was denied. Said Manuwere:
The courts are independent. The constitution declares that in making a decision, a member of the judiciary may not be swayed by fear of criticism and must not be swayed by fear and partisan perceptions.
I refuse to be swayed by public perception,and opinion and the application is dismissed.
In the incitement case, he is jointly charged with Godfrey Sithole (CCC), the MP for Chitungwiza North.
Sikhala and Sithole are being held without bail at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison.
Their trial on the incitement charge is set to commence on 15 November.
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