Zimbabwe opposition MP slapped with new charge

Zimbabwe’s jailed opposition MP Job Sikhala appeared in court on Thursday on fresh charges of disorderly conduct.

His lawyer Obey Shava told the BBC that the charge relates to an incident in May 2022 in which Sikhala and his supporters allegedly confronted ruling Zanu-PF supporters at a rally and pelted them with stones, injuring a person in the process.

He denies the charge. Mr Shava said the case was postponed to May after the prosecution said it was not ready to proceed.

It is not clear why it has taken almost a year for the case to be brought before the court.

The opposition Citizens Coalition for Change described the accusations as ongoing political persecution.

Mr Sikhala has been arrested dozens of times.

This article originally appeared on BBC News

Photo: RA