Political Reporter

Job Sikhala’s lawyer, Beatrice Mtetwa has been accused of letting down her client by choosing to play politics with the case instead of presenting facts in court.

Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) members who spoke to this publication on condition of anonymity said Mtetwa was behaving more like a political activist than a lawyer, much to the disadvantage of her client Sikhala.

“Sikhala is being let down by his lawyer, Mtetwa. She is appearing before the courts while wearing a political activist’s jacket and this has led to her failure to soberly argue to have his client acquitted or granted bail,” said a CCC member.

Another CCC member said that it was shocking that Mtetwa wanted the international community to know of Sikhala’s case instead of the magistrate presiding over his case.

“Mtetwa was quick to get interviews with the international media outlets such as AFP to discuss Sikhala’s case. Such interviews are not helpful to Sikhala. Mtetwa should present facts before the magistrate instead of spending time attacking the same judiciary which she wants to acquit her client. She is actually doing a disservice to Sikhala,” said another CCC member.

Another CCC member said that Sikhala should consider having another lawyer as Mtetwa was not doing enough for him.

“Sikhala should find another lawyer to represent him if he wants his case to be professionally argued in court. The current lawyer is using emotions in court, but the courts want facts not emotions.  A new, non-political lawyer would do for Sikhala as the current one is hugely compromised,” said a CCC member.

Sikhala has been in remand prison since June this year and is facing charges of inciting public violence and obstructing the course of justice.

Efforts to get comment from Mtetwa were futile as her mobile phones were not reachable.