Former Zimbabwean opposition politician Job Sikhala appeared in a Pretoria magistrates' court on Monday, facing charges related to explosives possession. The 53-year-old was arrested on Friday evening with his 78-year-old uncle, Alexander Ferrowst Thema. According to National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana, police stopped their vehicle on Kgosi Mampuru Street following a tip about suspicious activity. A search of the car allegedly uncovered 26 blasting cartridges and 15 connector cap fuses.
The court postponed the case until Thursday, November 13, for a bail application, with both men remaining in custody. Sikhala, a former Citizens Coalition for Change lawmaker, had only recently been freed from a long detention in Zimbabwe. His latest arrest has surprised his supporters and prompted questions about the circumstances. South African authorities have provided no further details regarding the source or purpose.
The court postponed the case until Thursday, November 13, for a bail application, with both men remaining in custody. Sikhala, a former Citizens Coalition for Change lawmaker, had only recently been freed from a long detention in Zimbabwe. His latest arrest has surprised his supporters and prompted questions about the circumstances. South African authorities have provided no further details regarding the source or purpose.
