Job Sikhala to appear in Pretoria court over explosives discovery

Job Sikala and fellow accused

By Staff Reporter

Outspoken Zimbabwean politician Job Sikhala is due to appear at the Pretoria Magistrates Court on Tuesday after explosives were found in a vehicle he was travelling in while transiting through South Africa in November 2025. Sikhala, the founder and chief facilitator of the National Democratic Working Group (NDWG) and a former Zengeza West legislator, faces charges jointly with his uncle. He was released on R10,000 bail and has been awaiting trial in South Africa.

The incident occurred as Sikhala returned from Botswana, where he had been a guest speaker at the Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) congress. Sikhala has consistently denied the allegations, accusing Zimbabwean authorities of orchestrating his arrest and claiming the explosives were planted in his uncle’s car. He pointed to the bail conditions as evidence that the charges lack substance, saying that if South African authorities had serious concerns, he would not have been granted what he described as “liberal” bail.

A fundraising campaign to cover Sikhala’s legal costs has been launched, with a R100,000 target coordinated by Bulawayo mayor David Coltart. Sikhala confirmed the appeal but said he had not yet received a full update on contributions. Civil society figures have rallied to his defence: Jameson Zvidzai Timba, convenor of the Defend the Constitution Platform, condemned the arrest and warned that criminalising dissent domestically or abroad threatens constitutionalism, the rule of law, and democratic participation.

Job Sikhala’s legal history is extensive. He has spent more than 500 days in pre‑trial detention at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison on charges he and supporters describe as politically motivated. Over his political career, he has faced more than 70 charges, none of which have resulted in a conviction. Supporters argue the Pretoria proceedings are the latest episode in a pattern of legal pressure against a prominent government critic.

Legal observers say the South African court appearance will test both the strength of the State’s case and the ability of Sikhala’s legal team to challenge cross‑border allegations. The matter also raises diplomatic sensitivities given Job Sikhala’s profile and the transnational nature of the incident. As the trial approaches, attention will focus on the evidence linking Sikhala to the explosives, the credibility of prosecution witnesses, and whether the case will proceed to a full hearing or be resolved through plea or procedural outcomes.

The Pretoria appearance marks a new chapter in Job Sikhala’s long‑running legal battles and is likely to draw continued public and political interest in Zimbabwe and the region.