Job Sikhala claims explosives were planted in his car

Zimbabwean opposition leader Job Sikhala says he has evidence proving that the explosives discovered in his vehicle were planted, dismissing the charges against him as politically motivated.

Sikhala was arrested in Pretoria last week after South African police allegedly found 26 blasting cartridges and 15 capped fuse connectors in his car.

The outspoken politician, a long-time government critic, made his second appearance at the Pretoria Magistrates Court on Thursday, where he was granted R10,000 bail.

Speaking to journalists shortly after his release, Sikhala maintained his innocence and said the explosives were not his.

"There is no feja feja [fraudulent] judiciary and there are no feja feja investigations. They have found out that these things have been planted in our car," Sikhala told reporters.

He was greeted outside the courthouse by dozens of supporters, many of whom he warmly embraced after being freed from custody.

Sikhala also expressed confidence in the South African justice system, saying he did not believe it could be manipulated for political purposes.

His case has been postponed to February next year to allow for further investigations.

Sikhala, who has faced repeated arrests and detentions in Zimbabwe over the years, remains one of the most prominent voices of dissent against President Emmerson Mnangagwa's government.