Sikhala targeted in bomb attack as Zim’s political fault lines widen

By Shingirai Vambe

In a shocking act of violence that has sent ripples through Zimbabwe’s political landscape, outspoken opposition politician Job Sikhala confirmed to this publication that unknown assailants carried out a bomb attack on his residence in St Mary’s, Chitungwiza, yesterday. Sikhala described the incident as both barbaric and cowardly, highlighting growing concerns over political intimidation in the country.

The attack, which occurred in the early hours of the morning, fortunately left no casualties. Sikhala was out of the country at the time, attending engagements in South Africa in preparation for the launch of his autobiography, Footprints in the Chains: The Life Story of Job Sikhala. Only his children were at home, while his wife was away attending a memorial service for a late family member.

“It’s devastating,” Sikhala said, expressing both disbelief and outrage. “But why this cowardice, whoever did it? They used a bomb, a weapon that cannot be accessed by ordinary people. This kind of evil is not acceptable in the 21st century.”

The National Democratic Working Group (NDWG), which Sikhala leads, immediately condemned the attack, calling it politically motivated and a direct threat to democracy. “Such acts of violence are direct assaults on democratic spaces and highlight the grave risks faced by those who engage in political discourse as opposition leaders,” the NDWG said in a statement. The organization further called for a thorough investigation to identify and hold the perpetrators accountable, urging the international community to pay close attention to the escalating climate of political intimidation in Zimbabwe.

However, political analysts warn that this attack may not be solely the work of ruling party operatives. Tensions within opposition ranks over power struggles and representation of loyal cadres have, at times, escalated into violent confrontations.

Opposition supporters acknowledged that Sikhala’s prominence within the opposition, and the positioning of “real cadres” loyal to his leadership, may have provoked envy and rivalry from within opposition circles.

To date, police have remained silent on the attack, leaving unanswered questions about security lapses and the protection of political figures.

Sikhala, a former MDC and Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) official, has long been a thorn in the side of authorities. His activism dates back to his time as a student leader at the University of Zimbabwe, where he gained prominence for his fearless advocacy. Over the years, he has faced multiple arrests, with his detention history underscoring the risks of opposition politics in the country.

Most recently, Sikhala spent almost 600 days in prison after being arrested on June 14, 2022, alongside Godfrey Sithole and 14 other activists in Nyatsime. The arrests were linked to violent skirmishes following the brutal killing of activist Moreblessing Ali. Sikhala was accused of inciting party activists to avenge her death, a charge that saw several of his bail applications denied, with the State labeling him an unrepentant repeat offender.

Ali’s murder had sent shockwaves through Zimbabwe, as the young activist was abducted, killed, and her remains disposed of in a disused well in a gruesome display of violence. During Sikhala’s imprisonment, citizens both in Zimbabwe and abroad petitioned President Emmerson Mnangagwa to intervene, highlighting the widespread public concern over his prolonged detention.

The bomb attack on Sikhala’s home is a reminder of the persistent threats faced by opposition figures in Zimbabwe, whether from ruling party operatives or from internal power struggles within opposition ranks. However, the incident has reaffirmed his resolve.

“We will not be intimidated. Democracy must be defended, and those who resort to violence will not succeed in silencing us,” he said.

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