by AKANI CHAUKE
PRETORIA, (CAJ News) – ZIMBABWEAN opposition figure Job Sikhala remains in custody at a Pretoria remand facility following his brief appearance in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on charges of illegal possession of explosives.
Sikhala, a former Member of Parliament for the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), was arrested on Friday night after explosives were allegedly discovered in his vehicle.
He appeared in court alongside his uncle, Alexander Thema, who faces the same charge.
According to Lumka Mahanjana, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the Gauteng Division, both accused persons will remain detained until Thursday, when their formal bail application will be heard.
Sikhala, a prominent lawyer and long-time government critic, has faced numerous arrests in Zimbabwe over the years, largely linked to his political activism.
His detention in South Africa has drawn significant attention, particularly given his history of confrontations with Zimbabwean authorities and his reputation as a vocal advocate for democratic reform.
The NPA has not yet disclosed details regarding the nature or origin of the explosives, but police sources confirmed that investigations are ongoing.
Authorities are expected to outline the full extent of the charges during Thursday’s proceedings.
Sikhala’s supporters have called for transparency and fairness in the legal process, expressing concern that his arrest may have political undertones.
The case continues to generate regional interest amid heightened scrutiny of cross-border political movements within Southern Africa.
— CAJ News