HARARE – Harare magistrate Lazini Ncube has recused himself from presiding over the incitement of public violence trial of MDC Alliance lawmaker Job Sikhala.
Ncube stood down from the case following a meeting with Sikhala’s lawyers Jeremiah Bhamu and Harrison Nkomo and the National Prosecuting Authority held in chambers on Wednesday.
Details of the discussions were not disclosed.
The MDC vice chairman’s trial was then rescheduled for July 14 after the court was informed that the prosecutor who was due to lead the state case had Covid-19.
The prosecution alleges that between March 2020 and July 2020, the Zengeza West MP agitated for nationwide protests against the government which were to be held on July 31.
“There is a war we should fight and if we don’t fight, nothing will come out… I will fight the state since I’m not easily intimidated,” Sikhala allegedly said in one of several video recordings shared on social media.
The NPA alleges that Sikhala sought the overthrow of the Zimbabwe government through violent means, which he denies.
He evaded arrest for weeks, the prosecution alleges, before he was apprehended hiding in the ceiling of a Harare house. Sikhala denies the allegations.
