Harare magistrates Lanzini Ncube on Thursday dismissed an application by MDC Alliance vice-chairperson, Job Sikhala who sought to be removed from remand.
The magistrate made a ruling after leading evidence, state witness, Collins Makore from the CID law and order narrated to the court that they had difficulties arresting Sikhala who was hiding in the ceiling.
They told the court that the Zengeza West legislator only cooperated after threats of being teargassed. The development was announced by his legal representatives, the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights who said:
Hon Sikhala will remain in prison after magistrate Ncube dismissed his application challenging remand. He says state succeeded in proving that there is reasonable suspicion that Hon Sikhala committed an offence.
Sikhala was arrested last week Friday after a month of evading police who had indicated that they wanted him for questioning in connection with the foiled 31 July antigovernment protests.
He is accused of inciting public violence after he, together with others, allegedly planned the demonstrations and encouraged the public to participate.
The magistrate ruled against Sikhala despite him arguing that he was receiving death threats from Chikurubi Maximum prison boss and that he was exposed to the coronavirus pandemic in prison.
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