Staff Reporter

Citizens have applauded the conviction of Transform Zimbabwe leader,

Jacob Ngarivhume and said that they are now hoping for a lengthy custodial sentence to deter him from causing chaos in this year’s elections.

Ngarivhume was convicted yesterday by Harare Magistrate, Mrs Feresi Chakanyuka, for inciting violence in the run up to the July 2020 illegal demonstrations. In 2020, Ngarivhume used a series of Twitter posts to incite violence and to urge people to revolt against the constitutionally elected Government.

People who spoke to this publication said that the conviction of Ngarivhume would send shock waves to those who might be planning to cause chaos in the run up to this year’s elections.

“The conviction of Nyarivhume is a welcome move as it will send a message to would be violence instigators that violence does not pay," said Tafara Manyika.

Manyika added that Ngarivhume as a political figure should have led by example and not to behave like a political thug.

"Nyarivhume, as a political leader should have showed political instead of behaving like a teenager. He should be on the forefront preaching peace and political tolerance instead of instigating violence. I hope he has learnt that violence does not pay,” added Manyika.

Lloyd Gadzika added that the courts should be strict on those who incite violence saying that such people deserve to be in prison.

“The courts should not show mercy to violence instigators. Everyone who incites violence must be thrown behind bars. Our societies must be free from political thugs,” said Gadzikwa.

Another citizen, Miriam Gara, said that the politicians should emulate President Mnangagwa and start preaching peace as the country edges closer to this year’s elections.

Meanwhile CCC's outspoken lawyer and Vice National Chairman Job Sikhala is in jail facing the same charges of instigating violence.