Pretoria, South Africa — The dramatic arrest of former Zimbabwean MP Job Sikhala has sent shockwaves through Africa, with growing claims that the outspoken opposition leader was framed in a sophisticated political setup.
South African police allege that explosives were found hidden inside Sikhala’s vehicle, leading to his immediate arrest in Pretoria. The 53-year-old politician, known for his fiery criticism of corruption and abuse of power, is currently being held at Pretoria Central Police Station pending his court appearance. But those close to him insist this was no coincidence — it was a trap.
? The Mysterious Meeting That Led to His Arrest
According to sources close to Sikhala, the former MP received a call from individuals claiming to be part of Joseph Kabila’s political circle in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). They reportedly told him they wanted to support his democracy movement in Zimbabwe and promised financial assistance for his political projects. After the meeting in Pretoria, Sikhala got into his vehicle and began to drive away. Moments later, armed police intercepted him and ordered him out of the car. Officers then claimed they had discovered explosives wrapped in a yellow plastic bag hidden in the trunk.
“He was lured into a trap. They planted those explosives to destroy his image and silence him,” said one of his close friends who spoke to ZimLive.? Viral Photos Ignite Social Media Firestorm Images of Sikhala sitting handcuffed on a roadside barrier have gone viral on social media, sparking outrage across Zimbabwe and the diaspora. One photo shows him calmly looking ahead while surrounded by officers in plain clothes. Another shows an elderly man — believed to be his associate — sitting beside him as police hold evidence bags.
Within hours, hashtags like #FreeJobSikhala, #StopTheSetup, and #JusticeForSikhala began trending across Facebook, X (Twitter), and TikTok, as supporters demanded answers. “They’ve tried to break him for years. Now they want to finish him with lies,”
wrote one activist on X.
“This is not justice. It’s political warfare.”
?️ Allegations of a Cross-Border Setup
Analysts and political commentators say the arrest bears the fingerprints of a regional intelligence operation.
Many believe Zimbabwean security agents could have coordinated with counterparts in South Africa to frame Sikhala — one of the government’s most persistent critics.
For years, Sikhala has been at the center of countless court cases, arrests, and threats. Yet, he has remained defiant, speaking out for the poor, the oppressed, and victims of political violence. Now, his allies fear this latest move is part of a plan to permanently silence one of Zimbabwe’s boldest voices. ?? A Nation on Edge
Inside Zimbabwe, the story has split the nation:
Government supporters claim police acted lawfully and the case must proceed.
Opposition leaders insist it’s a “fabricated case meant to destroy a freedom fighter.”
Human rights lawyers are calling for an independent investigation, saying no one should be targeted across borders for political reasons.
The case has also raised questions about SADC cooperation on politically sensitive arrests — and whether regional governments are being used to settle domestic political scores.
⚖️ What Happens Next
Job Sikhala is expected to appear in court soon, facing charges related to the possession and transport of explosives. His legal team in both South Africa and Zimbabwe has vowed to fight the charges and expose what they call a political setup.
If proven to be a frame-up, this case could become one of the biggest political scandals in Southern Africa’s modern history.
?️ The People Have Spoken
The message from supporters is clear — this is not just about one man. It’s about justice, truth, and freedom.
“They can lock up his body, but they can’t silence his voice,”
read one viral post shared over 50,000 times.
Across Africa, from Johannesburg to Harare to London, the call is growing louder:
“Free Job Sikhala. End the setup.”
