Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, Zimpapers Writer
OPPOSITION politician Job Sikhala, who fronts the National Democratic Working Group, appeared in a South African court yesterday facing charges of illegal possession of explosives in the neighbouring country.
Sikhala (53) appeared before the Pretoria Magistrates Court alongside his uncle, Alexander Ferrowst Thema (78). The pair is accused of illegal possession of explosives after police allegedly found blasting cartridges and connector fuses in their vehicle.
The two were further remanded in custody and are expected back in court on Thursday for a formal bail application.
South Africa’s National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson in Gauteng, Limuka Mahanjana, confirmed the developments.
“A Zimbabwean politician, Job Sikhala (53) and his uncle Alexander Ferrowst Thema (78) appeared briefly at the Pretoria Magistrates Court. They are facing charges of possession of explosives,” she said.
“It is alleged that on 6 November, the two were stopped by police while driving along Kgosi Mampuru Street. When the police searched the car, they found 26 blasting cartridges and 15 fused connector caps. The matter has been postponed for formal bail application. The accused are remanded in custody.”
South African authorities say the explosives recovered are similar to those used in illegal mining syndicates in Gauteng and the Free State, as well as in ATM and cash-in-transit bombings that have rocked the country.
The duo was reportedly arrested in the early hours of Friday while travelling in a Ford Fiesta along the N14 highway. Police say they acted on a tip-off.
South African Police Service spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the bust was swift.
“Police received information about individuals travelling in a Ford Fiesta in Pretoria with explosives,” she said.
“The vehicle was intercepted and searched. Officers found 26 blasting cartridges and 15 capped fuse connectors.”
Investigators are still trying to determine what exactly Sikhala and his elderly uncle intended to do with the explosives.
This is not Sikhala’s first time to brush with the law. The politician spent months behind bars in Zimbabwe over allegations of inciting public violence and obstruction of justice.
