A former Zimbabwean legislator and opposition activist, Job Sikhala, and his uncle, Alexander Thema, have been granted bail of R10,000 by the Pretoria Magistrates Court. They are scheduled to return to court on February 3, 2026. Sikhala, 53, a former Member of Parliament for Zengeza West, was arrested alongside his 78-year-old uncle, Alexander Ferrowst Thema, on charges of possession of explosives.
The National Democratic Working Group (NDWG), to which Sikhala belongs, has denied that the explosives allegedly found in his vehicle belonged to him. In a statement, the group claimed that Sikhala was “subjected to suspected foul play” when his vehicle was stopped and searched by members of the South African Police Service (SAPS). The NDWG’s legal team was “actively engaged on-site” to secure Sikhala’s defense, maintaining that the explosives found did not belong to him.
Sikhala’s arrest in South Africa comes less than a year after his release from detention in Zimbabwe, where he was arrested for allegedly inciting public violence. The NDWG has reaffirmed its commitment to defending him through all available legal means. The group stated, “We categorically maintain that the explosives found do not belong to him. As the National Democratic Working Group, we stand unwaveringly beside our leader.”
The case has sparked attention due to Sikhala’s high-profile status as an opposition leader. His arrest and detention in Zimbabwe last year drew international concern, with many organizations calling for his release. The current charges against him in South Africa have raised questions about the circumstances surrounding his arrest and the allegations against him.
The Pretoria Magistrates Court’s decision to grant bail to Sikhala and his uncle indicates that the case will proceed to trial. The NDWG’s denial of the allegations and commitment to defending Sikhala suggest a lengthy and potentially complex legal process. As the case unfolds, it is likely to attract continued attention from international observers and human rights organizations. The next court hearing, scheduled for February 3, 2026, will be closely watched for developments in the case against Sikhala and his uncle.