Zimbabwe opposition party leader jailed

A Harare magistrate has jailed the leader of a small opposition party for his role in calling for anti-government protests three years ago.

Jacob Ngarivhume of the Transform Zimbabwe was sentenced to four years in jail with 12 months suspended.

Magistrate Feresi Chakanyanya said a fine or suspended sentence would have trivialised the offence of inciting the public to commit violence.

Ngarivhume was arrested in July 2020 for calling for protests against corruption and deepening economic woes.

Police banned the protests citing coronavirus restrictions and arrested several government critics - including internationally acclaimed author Tsitsi Dangarembga for holding up protest placards on the roadside in her neighbourhood.

Earlier this year, Dangarembga was found guilty of inciting violence, but given the option of a fine.

Ngarivhume will appeal against both his conviction and sentence.

The Zimbabwe government has been accused of using the law to suppress freedom of speech in the country.