Outspoken opposition politician Job Sikhala says he considers himself fortunate to be alive, claiming that the Zimbabwean state has been relentlessly pursuing him in a bid to frame him on fabricated charges. His comments, made just a day before his dramatic arrest in South Africa, have reignited debate about political persecution and the safety of opposition figures from Zimbabwe.
South African police confirmed that Sikhala was detained in Pretoria on allegations of possessing explosives. Law enforcement officers reportedly acted on a tip-off before intercepting a Ford Fiesta believed to be carrying explosives. Upon searching the vehicle, police allegedly found 26 blasting cartridges and 15 capped fuse connectors. Sikhala, who was traveling with a relative at the time, is expected to appear in court on Monday, where he will formally be charged.
The arrest has sparked outrage among his supporters and colleagues in the National Democratic Working Group (NDWG), an opposition movement he leads. The group has dismissed the allegations as politically motivated, describing the development as part of a broader attempt to smear Sikhala’s name and silence him.
In a statement, NDWG deputy national spokesperson Silenkosi Moyo accused unknown forces of engineering Sikhala’s arrest.
“Honourable Sikhala was subjected to what is believed to be suspected foul play, as the vehicle in which he was traveling was stopped and searched by officers of the South African Police Service,” Moyo said.
“We categorically maintain that the explosives found do not belong to him. As the NDWG, we stand unwaveringly beside our leader and reaffirm our commitment to defending him through all legal means available.”
Sikhala’s arrest in South Africa comes amid a long and troubled history of confrontations with Zimbabwean authorities. The veteran opposition figure, who first rose to prominence during his student activism days at the University of Zimbabwe, claims to have been arrested more than 70 times over the years — a record he believes underscores the political vendetta against him.
Job Sikhala Alleges State Plot Ahead of Arrest in South Africa
“I am the most jailed politician in the country,” Sikhala told Standard People. “If I can recount properly, I have been incarcerated more than 70 times. And in all those times, I have been proven innocent. It means that I am someone who is targeted for persecution, and it is systematic.”
His longest and most publicized detention occurred in 2022, when he was accused of inciting public violence following the brutal murder of opposition activist Moreblessing Ali in Nyatsime, Chitungwiza. Sikhala was held for 595 days in pretrial detention — without conviction — before eventually being acquitted. The lengthy incarceration drew condemnation from local and international human rights groups, who accused the state of weaponizing the justice system to suppress dissent.
Speaking emotionally about his ordeals, Sikhala said he had endured severe torture during his imprisonment.
“They hate me more than Satan is hated by Christians; I don’t know why,” he said. “I cannot forget the torture. I was beaten everywhere, including on my manhood. It is a miracle to be alive. If I had not gone to Europe to seek medical attention, I might be dead or sterile because of what they did.”
He added that the alleged persecution had not ended with his release, pointing to the recent police ban on his planned birthday celebrations at Chaminuka/Macheka Square in St Mary’s, Chitungwiza, on October 30.
“I know they say Wiwa has no following and is not a threat, but why did they not allow me to hold my birthday celebrations?” he asked. “I am giving them sleepless nights. Whatever they do to try and intimidate me won’t work — it only strengthens my resolve to fight for a better Zimbabwe where everyone is free and equal.”
Sikhala’s supporters argue that his continued harassment is part of a larger pattern of intimidation against outspoken opposition leaders who challenge the government’s authority. His case also highlights the vulnerability of political activists who seek refuge or operate beyond Zimbabwe’s borders, as they continue to face surveillance and threats even abroad.
As the South African court prepares to hear his case, questions are mounting about how the explosives ended up in the vehicle he was traveling in — and whether the arrest was influenced by external political interests. The NDWG has vowed to mobilize legal support and engage regional and international bodies to ensure Sikhala’s safety and a fair trial.
For Sikhala, however, the ordeal appears to be just another chapter in his long battle against what he calls “state persecution.” Despite the dangers, he insists he will not be silenced.
“They can arrest me, torture me, or even kill me,” he said, “but they will never destroy the dream of a free Zimbabwe.”
As his supporters rally behind him, many believe Sikhala’s arrest will once again test the region’s commitment to upholding democracy and human rights — both at home and across borders.
Source- Bulawayo24
