daily sun
Former Member of Parliament (MP) Job Sikhala and his uncle, Alex Thema (78), appear in the Pretoria Magistrates Court in Tshwane on Monday, 4 May 2026, facing charges of possession of illegal explosives.
Sikhala said his lawyer, attorney Bongani D of Mabuza Attorneys, has served a notice to the state stating that if the investigation is not completed, they must withdraw the case by 3 August 2026.
“I don't think there is any other reason why they would want to keep me in South Africa continuously rather than releasing me to resume my work in Zimbabwe and visit my family,” he said.
The outstanding investigation includes cellphone records, 205 statements and DNA. Sikhala said he was disappointed because he thought the hearing date was set to finalize the case.
“We served notice to them that failure to complete the investigation today would result in us applying for refusal of further remand.
“Unfortunately, I was late, and the line at the entrance was so long. I was delayed by three minutes, and it took away the opportunity to adjourn the case. Of course, I thought the case was going to end today or be sent to court for hearing,” he said.
He said the issue was to keep him in South Africa and clear his name as a major political player in Zimbabwe.
“I cannot leave this jurisdiction until my name is cleared on these charges, which everyone knows was the creation of enemies in Zimbabwe who convinced me and followed me to South Africa. I am a legal practitioner, a registered lawyer in Zimbabwe. I need to go back and work for my family. These delays are prejudicial to me. I am a family man with 11 children,” he said.
He further said that he looks after many political activists in Zimbabwe and has a large support base.
“I hope this is the last and final remand in this case. The South African judiciary is not corrupt, as we know is the case elsewhere. We do not have a captured judiciary in South Africa. We have an impartial judiciary,” Sikhala said.
Presiding Magistrate Lesetja Mphahle adjourned the case until 3 August 2026 for further investigation.
