Sikhala arrest a Zanu-PF plot?

The National Democratic Working Group (NDWG) has accused Zimbabwe's ruling Zanu-PF party of masterminding the arrest of its leader, Job Sikhala, in what it described as a politically motivated attempt to silence him.

Sikhala was arrested in Pretoria, South Africa, last week after explosives were reportedly discovered in his car following a tip-off to the South African Police Service (SAPS). He appeared before the Pretoria Magistrates Court on Monday alongside his co-accused and uncle, Alexander Ferrowst Thema. The matter was postponed to Thursday, and both men remain in custody.

NDWG spokesperson Isaya Ndawana said the organisation believed Sikhala had been framed, alleging that the explosives were planted in his vehicle as part of a wider campaign by Zanu-PF to discredit and silence opposition voices.

"It is very baffling to hear how that happened, but we cannot rule out foul play. Sikhala is not a foolish man who would knowingly carry explosives, which are illegal. If he ever had such intentions, he could have used someone else. This was clearly a planned operation," Ndawana said.

He further alleged that Zanu-PF, which he described as "well-resourced and with access to powerful intelligence systems," could easily carry out cross-border operations.

"This was a calculated move to connect him to the bombings back home, to create the impression that Sikhala was behind them. They wanted to substantiate that false narrative, which is why the explosives were planted in his car," he claimed.

Ndawana also linked the alleged plot to recent arson attacks on the SAPES Trust building in Harare, suggesting that authorities wanted to implicate Sikhala and justify his continued persecution.

He said the arrest was part of a broader campaign to suppress dissenting voices critical of Zanu-PF's Agenda 2030.

However, Zanu-PF Information Director Farai Marapira dismissed the accusations, saying opposition groups were trying to politicise criminal conduct.

"The fact of the matter is that this is the usual behaviour from the Zimbabwean opposition," said Marapira.

"They commit crimes and then try to sensationalise them politically to cover themselves. But as always, the law is clear - it will deal with anyone who breaks it."

Sikhala, a long-time opposition figure and former legislator, has previously been arrested multiple times in Zimbabwe on charges ranging from incitement to public violence to obstruction of justice, charges his supporters have consistently described as politically motivated.