Outspoken opposition politician Job Sikhala says he is fortunate to be alive, alleging that the Zimbabwean state has been trailing him in an attempt to frame him on trumped-up charges. His remarks came just a day before he was arrested in South Africa on allegations of possessing explosives.
South African police confirmed that Sikhala was detained after officers, acting on a tip-off, intercepted a Ford Fiesta believed to be carrying explosives in Pretoria. Upon searching the vehicle, police reportedly discovered 26 blasting cartridges and 15 capped fuse connectors. Sikhala, who was travelling with a relative, is expected to appear in court tomorrow.
The National Democratic Working Group (NDWG), which Sikhala leads, dismissed the allegations, describing the arrest as part of a coordinated smear campaign.
“Honourable Sikhala was subjected to what is believed to be suspected foul play, as the vehicle in which he was travelling was stopped and searched by officers of the South African Police Service (SAPS),” said NDWG deputy national spokesperson Silenkosi Moyo in a statement.
“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.”
Freedom movement merchandise
Sikhala, a veteran opposition figure, claims to have been arrested more than 70 times in Zimbabwe since his student activism days at the University of Zimbabwe.
“I am the most jailed politician in the country,” he 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 most recent imprisonment came after he was accused of inciting public violence following the 2022 murder of opposition activist Moreblessing Ali in Nyatsime, Chitungwiza. He spent 595 days in pretrial detention before being acquitted.
“They hate me more than Satan is hated by Christians; I don’t know why,” Sikhala 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.”
Sikhala also accused authorities of continuing to target him, citing the recent police ban on his planned birthday celebrations at Chaminuka/Macheka Square in St Mary’s 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.”
Source – the standard