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Zimbabwean opposition figure and prominent government critic, Job Sikhala, was arrested in South Africa on Friday, according to confirmation from his brother and South African police reports.
Police confirmed they detained two men (aged 53 and 78) after they were found with 26 blasting cartridges and detonating devices in their vehicle.
Although police did not release the identities, Zimbabwean and South African media, along with Sikhala’s brother, confirmed the 53-year-old detainee was the former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) lawmaker.
Sikhala’s brother stated that the politician and his uncle were stopped by police, but could not explain how the explosives came to be in the vehicle.
The arrest adds to high political tensions in Zimbabwe.
Sikhala was only released in January 2024 after spending nearly 600 days in jail on a politically motivated conviction for inciting public violence.
The detention occurs as the ruling Zanu-PF party seeks constitutional changes to potentially extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term.
