Sikhala Takes Aim At Government, Demands US$1.2M For Wrongful Imprisonment

Outspoken opposition activist, Job Sikhala, is suing the State for USD$1.2 million in damages for unlawful detention and prosecution.

The firebrand politician was placed on pretrial detention for nearly two years, eventually being convicted by Harare Magistrate Feresu Chakanyuka.

However, the conviction was quashed by the High Court in 2024.

Sikhala was found guilty by Harare magistrate Feresu Chakanyuka of spreading lies on his Facebook page with the knowledge that doing so could incite public unrest.

In suing Government, Sikhala filed the lawsuit through his lawyer Harrison Nkomo of the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights.

In his summons filed at the High Court, Sikhala cites police officers Morgan Chafa and Davison Ngezi, Prosecutor Anesu Chirenje, Magistrate Chakanyuka, ZRP Commissioner-General Stephen Mutamba, Home Affairs minister Kazembe Kazembe and Finance ministry Secretary, George Guvamatanga, as the first to seventh respondents, respectively.

“The plaintiff’s claim against you jointly and severally, one paying the other to be absolved, is for damages arising from unlawful arrest and detention, malicious prosecution, and wrongful conviction in the sum of US$1 235 000 payable in the lawful local currency at the prevailing rate on the date of payment,” part of the summons read.

The claim comprises US$500 000 being damages for pain and suffering arising out of his unlawful arrest, malicious prosecution and conviction of the plaintiff.

Sikhala is also demanding US$350 000 for unlawful detention and US$250 000 for contumelia.

For emotional trauma and stress, Sikhala is demanding US$100 000 and US$$35 000 in legal fees.