The National Democratic Working Group (NDWG) in Zimbabwe has denied that explosives allegedly found in opposition politician Job “Wiwa” Sikhala’s vehicle during his arrest in Pretoria belonged to him, describing the incident as suspected foul play.
In a statement, the NDWG said Sikhala, who was arrested in Gauteng earlier this week, was “subjected to what is believed to be suspected foul play” when the vehicle he was travelling in was stopped and searched by members of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
“During the search, explosives were allegedly discovered in the vehicle. Honourable Sikhala was subsequently arrested and is currently detained at Pretoria central prison,” the group’s spokesperson Silenkosi Moyo said.
The NDWG said its legal team was “actively engaged on-site” to secure the opposition leader’s defence.
“We categorically maintain that the explosives found do not belong to him,” the statement added. “As the National Democratic Working Group, we stand unwaveringly beside our leader and reaffirm our commitment to defending him through all legal means available.”
The group appealed to the public to keep Sikhala in their thoughts and prayers during what it described as “challenging times.”
Sikhala’s arrest in South Africa comes less than a year after his release from detention in Zimbabwe, where he was arrested for allegedly inciting public violence. Rights groups and opposition figures previously accused the Harare government of persecuting him for his political activism.
Sikhala remains one of the most vocal critics of Zanu PF, continuing to speak out against corruption and human rights abuses in Zimbabwe.
His latest arrest has sparked fresh concern among Zimbabweans in the diaspora and raised questions about the circumstances surrounding his detention in South Africa.
On the other hand, other sections of the Zimbabwean society accuse Sikhala of being involved in crime, and celebrated his arrest in Pretoria.
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