• Reruns are set for tomorrow in Hwange
  • Job Sikhala remains behind bars over charges of incitement of public violence
  • Both parties, CCC and ZANU-PF are expecting to triumph in upcoming 2023 elections

Harare- Ruling party, ZANU-PF is set for primary elections rerun on the sixth of May 2023 in three local authority wards in Hwange in preparations for the upcoming general elections while Zengeza West MP, Job Sikhala remains incacerated for over 300 days without a bail. 

In a circular dated May 3 2023, ZANU-PF’s Political National commissar, Mike Bimha said two of the wards are under Victoria Falls while the remainder under Hwange Rural District Council. 

The party held its primaries last month, a tussle that saw bigwigs like Sekai Nzenza, Joseph Chinotimba, Justice Mayor Wadyajena Fortune Chasi and Dexter Nduna losing to underdogs. 

The re-run comes after several ties between Prester Mwanda and Nonhlanhla Gasela in Ward 5 with Innocent Luphondo contesting Hilton Musarurwa for Ward 7. Mike Zulu and Bonginkosi are set to re-run in Chidobe Ward 2. 

However, with general elections approaching, the main opposition party, Citizens Coalition for Change’s deputy chairperson Job Sikhala remains behind bars despite a US$600 bail. 

Harare magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa convicted Sikhala of obstructing justice by misleading the police over the wilful murder of Moreblessing Ali last year in a ruling dated 3 May 2023. 

 While others are out on bail, the Zengeza West legislator remains chained. He is also facing other charges of inciting public violence again and obstructing the course of justice

Sikhala was arrested on 14 June 2022 together with fellow MP Godfrey Sithole and the 14 members of Nyatsime. They were all charged with incitement to commit public violence to avenge the murder of CCC activist Moreblessing Ali.

Sikhala is the third count of opposition candidates charged this year following the jailing of Jacob Ngarivhume and the arrest of Fadzai Mahere who was later released on fine.

Opposition leader, Nelson Chamisa blamed the selective application of the law which he said was targeting his political members ahead of 2023 general elections while ZANU-PF members were left scot-free despite breaking the law.

However, ZANU PF secretary Nick Mangwana denied these allegations saying nobody was above the law and anyone who tempers with the law will face its full wrath, without mercy. 

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