In a recent speech delivered overseas, Job Sikhala made a number of outrageous claims that deserve closer scrutiny. While it’s important to condemn the abuses by the authorities, it is equally vital to call out falsehoods and deceptions, regardless of the source.
Here are ten outrageous moments from Job Sikhala’s speech:
1. False Claim of Prominence as a Lawyer:
– Claim: “I am a prominent lawyer.”
– Reality: This assertion is false. While Sikhala has a background in law, his prominence is overstated. Sikhala only recently qualified as a lawyer, having taken several years to acquire the requisite LLB. A lawyer he is, a prominent or accomplished one he is not.
2. Misrepresentation of Arrest:
– Claim: “I was arrested for representing a single mother, Mo Blessing Ali.”
– Reality: Sikhala was arrested following skirmishes where the police believed he incited supporters to retaliate. The case’s failure in court does not change the context of his arrest. He was not arrested merely for offering the family legal representation.
3. Election Rigging Allegation:
– Claim: “I was arrested because the regime wanted to rig the 2023 elections and feared my candidacy.”
– Reality: This claim lacks evidence and is part of Sikhala’s broader narrative to paint himself as a critical threat to the regime. This claim is really just silly. Indeed, if the regime could cage him for two years without consequence, what would stop it from doing the same if he attempted to challenge the alleged rigging?
4. Denial of Food in Prison:
– Claim: “While in prison, I was denied food.”
– Reality: Despite issuing multiple statements from prison, this is the first time Sikhala has made such a claim, casting doubt on its veracity. Separately, Sikhala’s stature on emerging from prison seemed hardly diminished. He did not appear as one who had been starved.
5. Alleged Blackmail of Lawyers:
– Claim: “Beatrice Mtetwa was blackmailed to stop representing me.”
– Reality: The specifics of this blackmail are unclear, making the claim dubious without further evidence.
6. Threats to Legal Team:
– Claim: “Harrison Nkomo had a gun pointed at his head by authorities.”
– Reality: This severe allegation is uncorroborated and appears to dramatize the situation.
7. Destruction of Legal Practice:
– Claim: “While in prison, my office was looted and my furniture scattered.”
– Reality: This is the first mention of such destruction, which seems implausible without prior documentation or evidence. Sikhala goes on to claim he has been destroyed economically. His motives for making this claim become clear at the end of his speech.
8. Funeral Disruption:
– Claim: “A drunken mob was unleashed to disrupt Mo Blessing Ali’s funeral.”
– Reality: The disruption was actually due to clashes between Chamisa’s and Sikhala’s supporters, not a government-orchestrated event. This was clearly documented in media reports. See this article from VOA: https://voazimbabwe.com/a/sikhala-chamisa-supporters-clash-at-ccc-activist-moreblessing-ali-funeral/7511371.html
9. Wife’s Arrest:
– Claim: “My wife Ellen was unjustly arrested for a spurious road traffic offense.”
– Reality: An offense cannot be deemed spurious if it acknowledges her committing it. The basis for her arrest needs clear distinction.
10. Economic Migrants vs. Political Refugees:
– Claim: “Millions have fled persecution to the diaspora, desperate to live in a democratic society.”
– Reality: Most Zimbabweans abroad are economic migrants fleeing poverty, not political refugees.
Clarifications Needed:
– Sikhala’s claim about the recall of opposition members contradicts statements from Nelson Chamisa and his supporters who claim Tendai Biti and Welshma Ncube are in fact the orchestrators of the recalls. Clarity is needed to determine the true narrative.
– His statement on the Patriotic Bill lacks legal backing, as no section under the bill would lead to his arrest for speaking abroad.
The Real Motive:
Sikhala concludes by stating, “That’s why we launched the National Democratic Working Group in Zimbabwe. Our goal is to engage Zimbabwe in these national governance clashes. I hope you will support us.” His speech’s dramatic flair seems aimed at raising funds for his political outfit. While his plight and oppressive tactics by the regime are real, the embellishments and falsehoods undermine his credibility and the cause he champions.
Job Sikhala’s speech, while highlighting critical issues within Zimbabwe, is marred by falsehoods that do little to advance the truth. It is crucial to remain vigilant against both the regime’s oppression and any deceptive tactics used to fight it.
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