Home of Prominent Zimbabwe Opposition Leader Bombed

Job Sikhala (image source)

In a chilling act of political violence, the home of opposition leader Job Sikhala was bombed in the early hours of August 30, 2025. The attack took place in Chitungwiza while Sikhala was in South Africa launching his autobiography, Footprints in the Chains.

“The bombing was targeting to kill my children,” Sikhala stated. “My family has not received any feedback from the police.”

Thankfully, only Sikhala’s children were home at the time, and they escaped unharmed. The Zimbabwe Republic Police swiftly deployed a homicide unit and bomb disposal team to secure the scene.

Pattern of Intimidation

Security analysts and civil society groups warn that this attack reflects a growing pattern of intimidation against opposition figures. Sikhala has previously endured 595 days of detention without bail and has been arrested 68 times without a single conviction.

“This is not just an assault on my family—it’s an attack on all Zimbabweans who value democracy,” Sikhala declared.

At his book launch in Masvingo, suspected ZANU-PF youth disrupted the event, assaulted guests, and seized copies of the book. Police allegedly refused to act, despite multiple complaints.

Calls for Accountability

Human Rights Watch has called on Zimbabwean authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the bombing.

“Authorities should take all necessary steps to protect Job Sikhala, his family, and other critics of the government,” stated Idriss Nassah, Senior Researcher at HRW.

Neighbours in Chitungwiza expressed shock, describing the attack as unprecedented. Rudo Mavhunga, a local resident, emphasized: “We need security. This could happen to any of us.”

The incident has reignited discussions about political violence, law enforcement accountability, and the safety of opposition figures in Zimbabwe.