Pretoria court grants Zimbabwean opposition leader Job Sikhala R10 000 bail

Mapaballo Borotho

Zimbabwean opposition leader Job Sikhala and his uncle were granted R10 000 bail in Pretoria after being found with explosives.
Sikhala claims the arrest was a politically motivated setup by Zanu-PF.
His lawyer says he will comply with bail conditions while awaiting his next court appearance.

Zimbabwean opposition leader Job Sikhala and his uncle, Alexander Ferrowst Thema, were granted R10 000 bail each by the Pretoria Magistrates Court on Thursday.

The pair was last week after police reportedly discovered explosives in their vehicle during a stop along Kgosi Mampuru Street in Tshwane.

Sikhala was said to be driving home from a dinner with his uncle when the incident occurred.

During his first court appearance, Sikhala claimed that the arrest was a political setup orchestrated by Zimbabwe’s ruling party, Zanu-PF.

His lawyer told the court that Sikhala would comply with all bail conditions, noting his strong family ties in South Africa and low risk of flight.

Authorities have not yet confirmed the next court date for the two accused.