Ashley Masakadza

The Zimbabwe Republic Police has banned the Job Sikhala Solidarity Rally which was slated for 23 December due to procedural lapses, a development which irked the Solidarity Council as it accused the state of restricting activities linked to Sikhala.

In a statement, the Job Sikhala Solidarity Council described the ban as a systematic move to restrict activities that are done in the name of Job Sikhala by the state.

“The Council Condemns the systematic restriction of all activities done in the name of Job Sikhala by the Zimbabwean State. It is apparent that the name Job Sikhala attracts repression from the regime,” the statement reads.

According to the Police, the rally did not comply with the requirements of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (MOPA), hence it was banned.

The Council described the ban as systematic attempt to chokehold citizen freedom of association and assembly. Sikhala has been imprisoned for over 18 months. Opposition parties and civic organisations have called for his release.