Zimbabwe Opposition Leader Seeks $1.2M for Wrongful Jail Time.
Job Sikhala wants the state to pay him $1.2 million for putting him in jail on false charges. The High Court cleared him last year after a lower court found him guilty.
Police arrested Sikhala over posts on Facebook. They said his words might cause public unrest. But the law they used did not exist when they charged him.
Through his lawyer, Harrison Nkomo, Sikhala filed papers against seven officials, including police officers, the prosecutor, the judge, and government ministers.
He asks for $500,000 for pain from his arrest and trial. Another $350,000 covers his time behind bars. He wants $250,000 for damage to his name plus $100,000 for mental harm. Legal costs add $35,000 more.
The case started on January 9, 2024. Officers Morgan Chafa and Davison Ngezi arrested him. They said he posted false statements between January 2020 and 2021. Prosecutor Anesu Chirenje brought charges, and Magistrate Feresu Chakanyuka ruled against him.
Sikhala says the police had no right to take away his freedom. The law they used came later. His arrest hurt his good name. He claims the officers acted for their bosses, making top officials responsible for his damages.
The High Court agreed with Sikhala and threw out his conviction. He demands payment in local money at current exchange rates. His case shows how wrong arrests can harm people's lives and rights.
Job Sikhala wants the state to pay him $1.2 million for putting him in jail on false charges. The High Court cleared him last year after a lower court found him guilty.
Police arrested Sikhala over posts on Facebook. They said his words might cause public unrest. But the law they used did not exist when they charged him.
Through his lawyer, Harrison Nkomo, Sikhala filed papers against seven officials, including police officers, the prosecutor, the judge, and government ministers.
He asks for $500,000 for pain from his arrest and trial. Another $350,000 covers his time behind bars. He wants $250,000 for damage to his name plus $100,000 for mental harm. Legal costs add $35,000 more.
The case started on January 9, 2024. Officers Morgan Chafa and Davison Ngezi arrested him. They said he posted false statements between January 2020 and 2021. Prosecutor Anesu Chirenje brought charges, and Magistrate Feresu Chakanyuka ruled against him.
Sikhala says the police had no right to take away his freedom. The law they used came later. His arrest hurt his good name. He claims the officers acted for their bosses, making top officials responsible for his damages.
The High Court agreed with Sikhala and threw out his conviction. He demands payment in local money at current exchange rates. His case shows how wrong arrests can harm people's lives and rights.
