Mystery Over Sikhala’s Arrest in South Africa Deepens

Job Sikhala’s arrest in Pretoria over alleged explosives has sparked controversy, with his lawyers claiming a political setup (image source)

The arrest of former MP Job Sikhala in Pretoria has raised fresh questions after South African police claimed explosives were found in the vehicle he was travelling in — an allegation his legal team strongly disputes. Images of Sikhala in handcuffs circulating widely on social media have fuelled outrage and speculation in both Zimbabwe and South Africa.

Police spokesperson Colonel Brenda Muridili said officers, acting on a tip-off, intercepted a Ford Fiesta near Pretoria West and recovered 26 blasting cartridges and 15 capped fuse connectors from the boot. Classified as commercial explosives under South African law, these materials prompted the immediate arrest of Sikhala, 53, and a 78-year-old relative. Both are facing preliminary terrorism-related charges pending laboratory verification of the seized items.

Sikhala’s lawyers and the National Democratic Working Group (NDWG) have rejected the allegations, insisting the explosives were planted to tarnish his image. “Our client is being framed — explosives are not his; we believe this was a setup,” an NDWG spokesperson said. Sikhala had reportedly travelled to South Africa for private engagements and was en route to a community event in Atteridgeville at the time of the arrest.

Sources close to the defence say CCTV footage from a nearby filling station and eyewitness testimonies are being examined to reconstruct events leading to the arrest. Investigators have not yet issued chain-of-custody documentation for the seized materials, and forensic teams are expected to determine whether Sikhala’s fingerprints are present on any of the items.

Political analysts in Harare say the incident has sharpened tensions within the opposition and heightened concerns over cross-border political intimidation. The arrest also comes amid reports of increased regional cooperation on transnational threats — a development some activists fear could be misused for political targeting. “We urge South African prosecutors to ensure due process and forensic transparency,” the NDWG added.

South African courts have not yet made a ruling on bail, and formal charges will depend on the results of forensic testing. The Zimbabwean Embassy in Pretoria says it is monitoring the situation and will provide consular support if needed.