Rédaction Africa Links 24 with dayton
Published on 2024-01-30 22:23:40
The court handed down a suspended two-year jail sentence to Job Sikhala, an official of the opposition party, the CCC, and his accomplice, Godfrey Sithole, who is a Member of Parliament for Chitungwiza North. The two were found guilty of inciting public violence in Nyatsime in 2022.
During the sentencing, Harare regional magistrate Mrs. Tafadzwa Miti considered several factors before making her decision. She weighed the impact of the defendants’ actions and took into account their previous records. Ultimately, she decided to suspend the two-year jail sentence for a period of five years.
The case against Sikhala and Sithole revolved around their involvement in an incident of public violence in Nyatsime. The court found that the two had incited the public to engage in violent behavior, leading to unrest and disturbance in the area. As a result, they were charged with the offense of inciting public violence.
In her ruling, Mrs. Miti emphasized the seriousness of inciting public violence and the potential consequences of such actions. She highlighted the need to uphold law and order in society and to deter individuals from engaging in behavior that incites violence and disrupts public peace.
The suspended sentence means that Sikhala and Sithole will not serve time in jail immediately. However, they will be required to adhere to certain conditions set by the court. If they violate these conditions within the next five years, the suspended sentence may be activated, and they could be required to serve the two-year jail term.
Following the sentencing, both Sikhala and Sithole expressed their remorse for their actions and vowed to abide by the conditions set by the court. They also reiterated their commitment to upholding the law and contributing positively to their community.
Overall, the court’s decision to suspend the jail sentence reflects the importance of holding individuals accountable for inciting public violence while also allowing them the opportunity to reform and contribute positively to society.
