Tinotenda Hove – Former Zimbabwean MP Job Sikhala and his uncle Alex Thema, 78, were back in the Pretoria Magistrates Court on Monday, 4 May 2026, over allegations of possessing illegal explosives.

Through his lawyer, Bongani Dee of Mabuza Attorneys, Sikhala told the state to wrap up investigations or withdraw the case by 3 August 2026.

“I see no reason for them to keep holding me in South Africa instead of letting me return to Zimbabwe to work and be with my family,” Sikhala said outside court.

Prosecutors still need to process cellphone records, 205 witness statements, and DNA results before the matter can proceed.

Sikhala insisted the charges are politically motivated and are preventing him from returning home. “I cannot leave this jurisdiction until my name is cleared. These allegations were manufactured by enemies in Zimbabwe who trailed me into South Africa. I’m a registered lawyer in Zimbabwe. I have to get back to work and provide for my family. These delays are hurting me. I’m a family man with 11 children,” he said.

Magistrate Lesetja Mphahlele postponed the case to 3 August 2026 to allow police to complete their investigations.