Prominent Zimbabwean opposition leader Job Sikhala has claimed that his arrest in South Africa for allegedly travelling with explosives was a setup orchestrated by Zanu PF.

Sikhala was detained after police searched his vehicle and reportedly found 26 blasting cartridges and 15 capped fuse connectors. His lawyer, Eric Mabuza, said Sikhala denied any involvement, suggesting foul play, as the explosives were discovered after he had dinner with his uncle, who was also arrested. Mabuza added that Sikhala had travelled to South Africa for medical treatment, not to engage in criminal activity.

Sikhala, who previously spent over 500 days in pretrial detention in Zimbabwe under harsh conditions, said the latest incident was politically motivated. Fellow opposition leader Jacob Ngarivhume echoed this sentiment, asserting that the explosives had been planted, while the National Democratic Working Group, which he leads, also expressed suspicion of foul play.