By Farai D Hove| The government of Zimbabwe has denied reports that the MDC MP Job Sikhala is missing.

Sikhala is on trial for utterances made in Bikita, Masvingo and he was due to appear at Harare Magistrates Court when he disappeared. His lawyers raised the alarm bells at the Rotten Row magistrates court saying they have been barred from accessing him.

The government in a statement via Twitter said,”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.”

But human rights lawyer, Doug Coltart said, “Why then were his lawyers told that initial remand would be done at Rotten Row (and even told by the police to go and wait there), when if fact he was being whisked away to Bikita without their knowledge?

” That is shocking dishonesty and a violation of rights.”

At the time of writing, the politician’s whereabouts were not known. – More to follow