A former Zimbabwean legislator and opposition activist, Job Sikhala, and his 78‑year‑old uncle, Alexander Ferrowst Thema, have been granted bail of R10,000 by the Pretoria Magistrates Court. They are scheduled to return to court on 3 February 2026.
Sikhala, 53, a former Member of Parliament for Zengeza West, was arrested alongside his uncle on charges of possession of explosives. The National Democratic Working Group (NDWG), to which Sikhala belongs, denies that the explosives allegedly found in his vehicle belong to him. In a statement, the NDWG claimed Sikhala was “subjected to suspected foul play” when his vehicle was stopped and searched by members of the South African Police Service (SAPS). The group’s legal team was “actively engaged on‑site” to secure his defence, maintaining that the explosives do not belong to him.
Sikhala’s arrest in South Africa comes less than a year after his release from detention in Zimbabwe, where he had been held on accusations of inciting public violence. His previous detention drew international concern, with many organisations calling for his release. The NDWG has reaffirmed its commitment to defending him through all available legal means, stating, “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 attracted attention because of Sikhala’s high‑profile status as an opposition leader. The Pretoria Magistrates Court’s decision to grant bail indicates that the matter will proceed to trial. The NDWG’s denial of the allegations and its pledge to defend Sikhala suggest a lengthy and potentially complex legal process. As the case unfolds, it is likely to continue drawing interest from international observers and human‑rights organisations. The next hearing on 3 February 2026 will be closely watched for developments in the case against Sikhala and his uncle.
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