South Africa Court Postpones Sikhala Explosives Case As DNA Evidence Falls Through

The criminal case against Job Sikhala and his uncle, Alexander Ferrowst Thema, has been postponed to 28 August to allow South Africa’s National Prosecuting Authority to decide whether to proceed, after forensic evidence reportedly cleared both men.

The postponement follows claims that DNA and fingerprint analysis found no evidence linking either Sikhala or Thema to explosives discovered in their vehicle after their arrest in November 2025.

According to information presented in court on Monday, 3 August 2026, investigators have now completed the docket, which has been submitted to prosecutors for review.

The NPA is expected to determine whether there is still enough evidence to justify a trial in light of the forensic findings.

Reports indicate that fingerprint and DNA tests failed to connect either man to the explosives at the centre of the case.

It is also claimed that investigators have obtained CCTV footage which, according to the defence, shows a state security operative placing the explosives inside the vehicle.

The reported findings have shifted the direction of the case, with prosecutors now considering whether the available evidence can sustain criminal charges.

Sikhala’s legal team has consistently argued that the case is politically motivated.

According to the defence, Sikhala had travelled to Pretoria for a meeting with individuals allegedly linked to the Zimbabwean government.

Lawyers told the court that during the meeting, one of the individuals briefly left with the vehicle keys, creating an opportunity for explosives to be planted without the knowledge of Sikhala or his uncle.

People close to the former Zengeza West MP have long maintained that the operation was orchestrated by rogue Zimbabwean state security agents working with corrupt officials in South Africa in an attempt to implicate the outspoken opposition figure.

Sikhala and Thema were arrested in November 2025 after police allegedly found explosives inside the vehicle.

The vehicle belonged to Thema, who was driving at the time, while Sikhala was a passenger.

The defence has questioned the manner of the arrests, arguing that Sikhala was immediately handcuffed despite not being the driver or owner of the vehicle, while Thema was not initially restrained.

His lawyers argue that the circumstances point to selective targeting and reinforce their claim that the prosecution is politically motivated.

Since his arrest, Sikhala has remained in South Africa under strict bail conditions that bar him from travelling back to Zimbabwe while the proceedings continue.

At previous court appearances, prosecutors sought postponements on the basis that investigations were still ongoing.

The case is set to return to court on 28 August, when prosecutors are expected to indicate whether they intend to continue with the prosecution or withdraw the charges.

More: Nehanda Radio