Africa-Press – South-Africa. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has revealed that it is conducting a profile investigation into Zimbabwean opposition leader Job Sikhala following reports of his multiple arrests over the past 30 years.
Sikhala, a prominent member of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), made his first appearance before the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Monday, where he faces charges of possessing explosives.
The well-known politician was arrested last week after explosives were reportedly discovered in his vehicle while he was driving in the capital. The search yielded 26 blasting cartridges and 15 capped fuse connectors.
Sikhala is no stranger to prison cells, with countless reports indicating he has been arrested multiple times since the beginning of his political career. READ: Zimbabwean politician Job Sikhala remains in SAPS custody after criminal case postponement
Last year, the Harare Magistrates’Court found Sikhala guilty of inciting public violence linked to unrest in June 2022, which was sparked by the abduction and murder of an activist.
NPA Spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana saidthese factors will help the State determine whether Sikhala’s past convictions could justify opposing his bail application.
“We have not decided whether we are going to oppose their release on bail because we still need to do bail investigations and get their profiles. Only then will we decide whether we should or shouldn’t oppose bail.” Sikhala will return to court on Wednesday for a formal bail application. For now, the prominent politician will remain behind bars.
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