Job Sikhala Arrested in Pretoria: Zimbabwean Opposition Leader Allegedly Found With Explosives
- A Zimbabwean politician was arrested in Pretoria, South Africa, on the night of Thursday, 6 November 2025
- Opposition leader Job Sikhala was travelling on the N14 highway outside Johannesburg when he was stopped by police
- Police stopped the vehicle after receiving information that a car matching its description was transporting explosives
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Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
GAUTENG – Zimbabwean opposition leader Job Sikhala has been arrested in Pretoria for allegedly having explosives.
Sikhala was arrested in Pretoria on the night of Thursday, 6 November 2025, after he was stopped on the N14 highway outside Johannesburg. Zimbabwean radio station, Nehanda Radio, confirmed that Sikhala was one of two men arrested.
Why was Sikhala arrested?
According to the publication, which received information from the South African Police Service, Alexander Thema (78) and Sikhala (53) were stopped by police who received a tip-off about a Silver Ford Fiesta that was transporting explosives.
When police stopped and searched the vehicle, 26 blasting cartridges and 15 capped fuse connectors were found.
Sikhala, who is a former Member of the Zimbabwean Parliament, is a prominent critic of Zimbabwe’s ruling Zanu-PF party. He has been detained multiple times in the past in connection with his political activism.
Briefly News reached out to the Gauteng Police Spokesperson for confirmation of the incident before publication. However, no reply was received at the time.
Sikhala’s friend believes he was set up
Taking to social media, Jacob Ngarivhume, a friend of Sikhala’s, alleged that he was set up.
He stated that while Sikhala was in a meeting, one of his hosts asked to check something in his car. The person allegedly took the keys and went away. When they resumed approximately 30 minutes late, they left the meeting.
“Job then got into the car he was using. As they were on their way, the police stopped them and searched their car. They found planted explosives,” Ngarivhume claimed.
He further stated that this was proof that the Zimbabwean regime was fighting against those who opposed them.
How did South Africans react to the arrest?
Social media users shared mixed reactions to the news, with some commenting on Sikhala’s shirt, while others speculated whether he had been framed.
Duma Roqoza said:
“That jacket alone can get you arrested.”
Thanduxolo Atoli added:
“He is wearing the drug cartel shirt; he will be released soon.”
Ron Musiw asked:
“Was Job driving himself or what? Was the car a hired vehicle? There is talk of a host of some sort. Wasn't he supposed to have someone driving him if he travelled on invitation?”
Zorrho Magoveni asked:
“But who plants explosives in your car without you noticing it? I'm baffled.”
Kagiso Cage Motlhabi stated:
“It's the shirt that is explosive.”
Siqalo Dotwana claimed:
“Looks like a set-up.”
Zimbabwean minister defends countrymen
In a related article, the Zimbabwean Ambassador to South Africa has caused a stir online with his recent comments.
Briefly News reported that David Hamadziripi downplayed the movement of his fellow citizens into South Africa.
He said that migration was not a new thing, as people were always looking to move to have a better life.
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