A popular opposition politician in Zimbabwe has been convicted after he was found guilty of obstruction of justice.

In a high-profile trial at a court in the capital Harare, Job Sikhala's conviction comes after almost a year he was first arrested, BBC.com report.

Following his conviction, Job Sikhala has been barred from contesting upcoming presidential and legislative elections due to be held in August.

The charges against him according to the report were based on "a video in which he allegedly demanded justice for the murder of another opposition activist, whose mutilated body was found in a well".

Critics say the trial was politically motivated.

YNA