“A new low for Zimbabwe’s regime” – ACTSA statement on Job Sikhala arrest in South Africa

Reports suggest that last night the Zimbabwean regime engineered a plot in South Africa to have high-profile opposition leader Job Sikhala arrested by the South African police by planting explosives in his car.  

We take seriously the evidence of Mr Sikhala’s wife that while at an event last night, his car keys were taken away by one of the hosts to ‘check something’ for 30 minutes. The host then wrapped the event up and Sikhala was arrested shortly  after leaving in his car by South African police who found explosives in the vehicle and arrested him.  

ACTSA Director Tricia Sibbons said: “This is a clear case of subterfuge aimed at discrediting Job Sihkala, for continually speaking against the unconstitutional acts of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.  We urge the South African authorities to carefully consider the evidence and avoid being seen as a political proxy for the Zimbabwean regime. Regional allies in SADC and AU members must consider their role in sustaining and protecting human rights, democracy and civil society to ensure peace and the rule of law prevail. The Zimbabwean regime remains outside Commonwealth norms on human rights and should not be re-admitted. ACTSA calls on aid and sanctions to be reviewed in light of these recent abuses of power.”

ACTSA associate board member Makomborero Haruzivishe said: “This sting operation mirrors what other politicians in the region have done to opposition leaders sheltering abroad. This is a new low by the Zimbabwean government. Job Sikhala, a peaceful democracy champion with over two decades of non-violent fight against Zanu-PF, deserves justice. SADC, the African Union, and civil society must confront this regional democratic threat where dictators target their political opponents in other countries.” 

Job Sikhala is an opposition politician in Zimbabwe who spent 595 days in pre-trial detention before being released in January 2024. Tensions have escalated in the past months following the Zimbabwean regime’s decision to cancel the 2028 election and unconstitutionally extend the President’s term by two years. This sparked outrage and a #NoTo2030 movement was set up. On 28th October the hotel in Harare where this group was about to meet was bombed. Other opposition leaders have been targeted. On 6th November the nephew of Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union in Zimbabwe president Obert Masaraure was kidnapped.  

The Government of President Mnangagwa – elected during a controversial and violent election in 2023 – has systemically undermined democratic institutions, committed outrageous abuses of power, persecuted opposition and human rights leaders, and undermined civil society’s ability to operate and to question Government policies, including through new laws (which Church leaders have said would promote gross violations of human rights).