Opposition politician Job Sikhala has reportedly been arrested in South Africa on allegations of possessing explosives, raising concerns among Zimbabwean opposition circles and human rights advocates. The news was confirmed by Transform Zimbabwe leader Jacob Ngarivhume on Friday afternoon, who described the incident as a possible setup against the veteran politician.
According to Ngarivhume, Sikhala’s detention occurred under suspicious circumstances while he was attending a meeting in South Africa. “I have been informed that Job Sikhala has been arrested in South Africa,” Ngarivhume stated. He explained that during the gathering, one of Sikhala’s hosts requested to check something in his vehicle. “He took the keys and went away. He returned after about thirty minutes and suggested that we all leave the meeting because it was getting late,” Ngarivhume added, implying that the initial interaction may have been part of a coordinated effort to target Sikhala.
Shortly after leaving the meeting, Sikhala was reportedly stopped by South African police while driving away from the venue. Ngarivhume provided details of the arrest, saying that Sikhala had gotten into his car when police pulled him over and searched the vehicle. “They reportedly found planted explosives, and he was immediately arrested. He is currently being held at a local police station in Pretoria,” he said.
In response to the arrest, both Zimbabwean and South African legal teams have been mobilised to assist Sikhala. Ngarivhume said that lawyers dispatched from Zimbabwe were already working alongside their South African counterparts to ensure Sikhala’s rights are protected during the investigation. “Lawyers have been dispatched from Zimbabwe to assist him, while South African lawyers are already on the case,” he confirmed, emphasising the cross-border legal collaboration underway.
Ngarivhume also accused regional actors of conspiring with the Zimbabwean government to suppress dissenting voices and stifle opposition activity. “This shows how the regime is desperately networking with regional bodies to fight those who are opposed to the corrupt and illegal 2030 agenda,” he said, referring to what he claims is a broader strategy by the Zimbabwean government to silence critics.
Opposition Politician Job Sikhala Arrested in South Africa Over Alleged Explosives
The reported arrest has sparked concerns among civil society groups and political analysts, who warn that such actions could set a worrying precedent for opposition politicians operating in exile or abroad. Legal observers have pointed out that cross-border arrests on politically sensitive charges often raise questions about due process, transparency, and potential diplomatic pressure.
As of Friday, South African authorities had not issued an official statement regarding Sikhala’s detention, leaving many questions unanswered about the specific charges, evidence, and intended legal proceedings. The absence of formal communication has further intensified speculation that the arrest may be politically motivated, rather than based solely on criminal allegations.
Job Sikhala, a seasoned opposition figure, has been known for his outspoken criticism of the Zimbabwean government, particularly targeting issues related to governance, corruption, and human rights. His arrest abroad adds a new layer of complexity to Zimbabwe’s political dynamics, as it raises concerns about the safety of opposition members even beyond national borders.
Ngarivhume and other opposition leaders have urged both the Zimbabwean and South African governments to respect Sikhala’s legal rights and to ensure a fair and transparent investigation. They argue that any attempt to manipulate the legal system for political gain undermines democratic principles and could provoke regional condemnation.
The situation has prompted activists and members of Zimbabwe’s diaspora to call for immediate monitoring and intervention by human rights organisations. Many fear that if the allegations of planted explosives are substantiated as a setup, it could signal an escalation in the targeting of political opponents through covert operations involving multiple jurisdictions.
While investigations continue, Sikhala remains in police custody in Pretoria, with legal representatives from both countries actively engaged in his defence. The unfolding developments will be closely watched by regional bodies, civil society groups, and international observers, as they may have wider implications for political freedom, cross-border legal processes, and the treatment of opposition figures in Southern Africa.
The case also highlights growing tensions between Zimbabwean political dissidents and regional actors, underscoring the complex interplay between domestic politics and cross-border enforcement mechanisms. Analysts suggest that the outcome of Sikhala’s legal situation could either reinforce or undermine the perception of judicial independence and political neutrality in the region.
Source- ZimEye
