Job Sikhala
Zimbabwean opposition figure Job Sikhala is being held in South African custody after authorities found blasting cartridges and fuse‑connectors in his vehicle. Sikhala denies the allegations and claims political targeting as his court appearance is postponed.
Zimbabwean opposition politician Job Sikhala remains in South African custody after his case for alleged illegal possession of explosives was postponed in Pretoria. Sikhala was arrested following a tip‑off when the vehicle he was travelling in was intercepted and found to contain 26 blasting cartridges and 15 capped fuse‑connectors.
Sikhala, a vocal critic of Zimbabwe’s ruling party, denies any link to the explosives and insists he is a victim of cross‑border political harassment. His supporters say the timing and nature of the arrest point to an orchestrated attempt to undermine his pro‑democracy work.
South Africa’s law‑enforcement officials have confirmed the arrest and charges but say they are still investigating the origins of the materials and any intended use. Sikhala’s legal team is preparing to challenge the evidence and seek a prompt hearing. The postponement has added to the uncertainty surrounding his case and raised fresh questions about political interference and due‑process protections.
