Friday, July 17

Job Sikhala Says I Am AProphet Of Peace In Zimbabwe

OUTSPOKEN MDC Alliance vice chairperson Job Sikhala says he has been critical of the government since he was 16 years old and would not flee the country despite the State’s desire to persecute critics into exile.

Sikhala is fighting to be admitted to bail after he was arrested on allegations of inciting people to commit public violence.
His bail application continues today with lead counsel Eric Matinenga expected to make his closing submissions.
Sikhala was yesterday put on the stand by his lawyers in support of their application and he told the court he is an “apostle of peace” and allergic to violence as he had experienced it in 2003 at the hands of the State.
He said he has not had peace ever since he was acquitted recently of subversion allegations by the High Court in Masvingo and also when minister Kazembe Kazembe held a press conference inferring that he was among a group of people planning a coup in the country.
The State is opposed to Sikhala’s application for bail, saying he is a flight risk as he had been on the run for close to a month before his arrest in Tynwald North a fortnight ago while reportedly hiding in a ceiling.
The State said police went to the extent of making a press statement looking for Sikhala, but he never presented himself.
Sikhala is disputing the State’s narrative, saying he was never on the run as the police were not looking for him.
He said he even advised his lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa to consult with the police if they wanted him and they reportedly indicated they were not looking for him.
Sikhala even denied hiding in the ceiling, saying his frame did not allow him to fit through a ceiling panel.
He said he was arrested in the bedroom together with his wife at his brother-in-law’s house, contrary to what the police said.
This, he said, was after his return from his farm in Gutu and learnt that his wife had moved to Tynwald for her safety after being hounded by suspected State agents.
He said he had no knowledge the police were after him and that the officers who testified — Collin Makore and Victor Mukohwe — actually knew where he could be found and were always visiting his offices for some beer and money for lunch.

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Car Accident Settlement: How Insurance Companies Calculate Your Claim

A car accident settlement is based on several factors, including injury severity, medical bills, lost income, fault, insurance limits, and long-term effects. Insurance companies do not simply pay what you ask for. They review records and look for ways to reduce the claim.

Medical treatment is one of the biggest parts of a settlement. Emergency room visits, surgery, physical therapy, medication, and follow-up care can all affect the value. If your injury requires future treatment, that should also be considered.

Lost wages matter too. If the accident caused you to miss work, you may claim lost income. If your injuries reduce your ability to work in the future, the claim may include loss of earning capacity.

Pain and suffering can also be included. This covers physical pain, emotional distress, sleep problems, reduced mobility, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Insurance companies may try to blame you for part of the crash. If they prove you were partly at fault, your compensation may be reduced depending on state law.

A car accident attorney can help gather evidence, document damages, and negotiate for a fair settlement.

Before signing anything, make sure the settlement covers your current and future losses. Once the case is settled, it is usually final.

Military Divorce Lawyer: Special Rules for Service Members and Spouses

 Military Divorce Lawyer: Divorce Help for Service Members and Spouses
Learn how military divorce differs from civilian divorce, including retirement division, custody, deployment, benefits, support, and jurisdiction issues.
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Military Divorce Lawyer: Special Rules for Service Members and Spouses

Military divorce can be more complicated than a civilian divorce.

Service members and spouses may face special issues involving military retirement, deployment, housing benefits, health coverage, custody, support, and jurisdiction.

A military divorce lawyer helps families understand how military rules and state divorce laws interact.

What Makes Military Divorce Different?

Military divorce may involve:

Active duty service
Deployment
Frequent relocation
Military retirement
BAH and BAS income
TRICARE issues
Survivor Benefit Plan
Parenting during deployment
Servicemembers Civil Relief Act
VA disability benefits
Military pensions
Jurisdiction questions

These issues require careful handling.

Where Should a Military Divorce Be Filed?

Military families may have ties to multiple states.

Possible filing locations may include:

Where the service member is stationed
Where the spouse lives
Where the service member claims legal residence
Where the children live
Where property is located

Jurisdiction can affect custody, support, and property division.

Military Retirement and Divorce

Military retirement can be one of the most valuable marital assets.

Important questions include:

How much of the retirement is marital?
How will it be divided?
Is a military pension division order needed?
Does the 10/10 rule apply for direct payment?
What happens if the service member is not retired yet?
How does disability pay affect division?
Should Survivor Benefit Plan coverage be addressed?

A lawyer should draft retirement language carefully.

Custody and Deployment

Deployment can complicate parenting plans.

A military parenting plan may address:

Temporary custody during deployment
Virtual communication
Make-up parenting time
Travel costs
Notice requirements
Return-from-deployment schedule
Decision-making during absence
Family care plans

Courts generally try to protect the child’s stability while recognizing military obligations.

Child Support and Spousal Support

Military income may include:

Base pay
Basic Allowance for Housing
Basic Allowance for Subsistence
Special pay
Bonuses
Retirement pay
Disability pay

Support calculations may need careful review because military pay has multiple parts.

Health Insurance and Benefits

Divorce may affect access to TRICARE and other benefits.

Some former spouses may qualify under specific military rules, but eligibility depends on marriage length, service overlap, and other factors.

Do not assume benefits continue automatically after divorce.

Servicemembers Civil Relief Act

The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act may provide protections for active duty service members in certain civil cases, including possible delays when military service affects the ability to participate.

This does not make divorce impossible, but it may affect timing.

Why Legal Help Matters

Military divorce mistakes can affect:

Retirement division
Survivor benefits
Custody schedules
Support amounts
Health coverage
Tax issues
Future enforcement
Direct pension payments

A regular divorce lawyer may not understand military-specific rules.

Final Thoughts

A military divorce lawyer can help service members and spouses navigate the unique legal and financial issues involved in military family law.

If your divorce involves deployment, military retirement, TRICARE, BAH, custody across states, or service-related benefits, get legal guidance before signing any agreement.