Zimbabwe court jails opposition politician over protest violence

A Zimbabwe court has sentenced an opposition politician to four years in prison for inciting public violence over a 2020 protest call.

Jacob Ngarivhume, leader of small opposition party Transform Zimbabwe, tweeted a call for nationwide anti-government protests over corruption and catastrophic economic state.

He will stay behind bars for three years after the court set aside one year on condition of good behaviour.

Magistrate Florence Chakanyuka said a fine or suspended sentence would not deter further offenders, a sentence must be meaningful.

Job Sikhala, a popular opposition politician has been in prison for over 300 days for allegedly inciting violence during a speech.

He still awaits judgment, which is due next week.