Friends of Job Sikhala warns of impending explosion over continued detention of Job Sikhala

Monday 25 January 2021

The Friends of Job Sikhala Solidarity Trust condemns the arrest and continued unjustified detention of Job Sikhala in the strongest possible terms, particularly political persecution, intolerance and scare tactics, which have put a stain yet again on the Emmerson Mnangagwa and Zanu pf regime due to its dictatorial tendencies.

We therefore, call for Job Sikhala’s, Hopewell Chin’ono and Alan Moyo’s freedom and demand an end to the abuse of judicial service to settle political scores.

We unequivocally believe in the basic right to freedom of speech and call on the regime in Harare to respect and uphold the citizen’s right to liberty and freedom of expression. Charging Sikhala, Chin’ono and Mahere under a law that was struck down by the Constitutional Court was a violation of their right to free speech. Zimbabwe’s constitution guarantees the right to freedom of expression and the state must curtail its assault of this right.

The systematic arrest and continued detention of Job Sikhala and others is just the latest iteration of a protracted and concerted effort by the regime in Harare to silence his outspoken voice, the regime thinks this arrest will cow the people of this country, then we have news for them. “Zimbabweans will not be intimidated and they will fight for a truly democratic society.”

We strongly hold the view that these actions are unhelpful as they aggravate tension and create a volatile atmosphere. The impunity with which security operatives are operating in the continued harassment and systematic arrest of Hon Job Sikhala is leading this country closer to a breaking point.

The Friends of Job Sikhala Solidarity Trust appeals to all pro democracy campaigners, human rights activists, Africa Union and the United Nations to oppose and condemn such arrests which are being engineered by those in power. It is essential that the international community not turn away from what is happening in Zimbabwe. This repression is unacceptable and must stop.

Emmanuel Zellers Gumbo
Spokesperson
Friends of Job Sikhala Solidarity Trust