Prominent Zimbabwean politician Job Wiwa Sikhala has announced his intention to seek US$12 million in compensation for what he describes as months of unjust detention, malicious prosecution, and wrongful conviction.
In a Twitter post shared online, Sikhala likened his experience in the judicial system to being subjected to “inhumane treatment” reminiscent of an animal kept in solitary confinement.
Sikhala, a member of the opposition party Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), has been a vocal critic of the government, often raising concerns over human rights abuses and the integrity of the judicial process in Zimbabwe.
His recent legal troubles stemmed from charges that he claims were fabricated to silence his dissent.
“I have suffered immensely, not just physically but emotionally and psychologically,” Sikhala stated in his post, emphasizing the impact of prolonged detention on his well-being. “There is no evidence supporting the charges against me, only the enjoyment of perpetuating cruelty by those in power.”
Sikhala was arrested on 14 June 2022 after attending the funeral of Moreblessing Ali and was convicted in 2023.
