Harare Magistrate on Saturday postponed the hearing of an application by Jacob Sikhala which challenges placement on remand.

The matter will be back in court on Monday 11:30 hours.

Sikhala who is the vice-chairperson of the opposition MDC Alliance was arrested on Friday and charged with incitement of public violence after he allegedly rallied the citizenry to participate in anti-government protests.

He appeared before the Magistrate at 1600 pm after waiting for more than 7 hours and his lawyer Advocate Matinenga protested against prosecutors’ conduct for lacking courtesy in treating defence lawyers on delays to the commencement of the matter

Adv Matinenga challenged the state’s application which sought to place Sikhala on remand arguing that the Zengeza West legislator did not commit any offence nor did he incite people to commit illegal activities but was simply exercising his constitutional rights.

Court proceedings ended with the Magistrate postponing the hearing to Monday at 11:30.

Sikhala joins a number of government critics including members of the opposition, human rights defenders and journalists who were arrested for inciting violence after they urged members of the public to participate in anti-government protests that were scheduled for 31 July.

Source: Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights