Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya
OPPOSITION politician Job Sikhala and his 78-year-old uncle Alexander Thema have been granted R10 000 bail each after their shock arrest in South Africa over alleged possession of explosives. The matter has been kicked into 2026 as investigators dig deeper into the mystery stash found in their vehicle.
The pair appeared before the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court where they formally applied for bail and were remanded out of custody to 3 February next year.
Sikhala and Thema were nabbed last week after South African police allegedly stumbled upon explosives during a routine stop while they were driving in Pretoria.
Confirming the development, the National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson for Pretoria, Lumka Mahanjana, said the case was postponed to allow authorities more time to probe the origins and intended use of the devices.
“The Pretoria Magistrates’ Court has granted bail of R10 000 each to Zimbabwean politician Job Sikhala and his uncle, Alexander Ferrowst Thema. The pair face charges of possession of explosives,” said Mahanjana.
According to the State, on November 6 police stopped the two along Kgosi Mampuru Street. A search of their vehicle allegedly uncovered 26 blasting cartridges and 15 connector cap fuses. These types of explosives have in recent years been linked to illegal mining operations in the Free State and Gauteng provinces, as well as ATM and cash in transit bombings carried out by criminal syndicates.
State prosecutor Chris Maruma did not oppose bail. Investigating officer Sergeant Thabo Madia confirmed via affidavits that Sikhala holds a valid South African visa while Thema possesses a South African identity document. Both men promised not to interfere with witnesses or ongoing investigations.
Police say the arrest followed a tip off which led officers straight to the vehicle where the explosives were allegedly found.
Investigations are continuing as authorities try to establish how the explosives were acquired and what they were meant for.
Londile Moyo