Sikhala Claims Bomb Attack on Home While Launching Autobiography Abroad

Zimbabwean opposition figure Job Sikhala has claimed that an explosive device was thrown at his residence in the early hours of Saturday morning, causing an explosion while he was away in South Africa.

According to Sikhala, the incident occurred around 1:00 AM while only his children were at home. He is currently in South Africa for the launch of his autobiography, “Footprints in the Chains: The Life Story of Job Sikhala”, scheduled for the same afternoon. Sharing the news on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), he wrote:

“I’ve just woken up to find numerous missed calls and messages informing me that my home was attacked with dynamite around 1 AM. The police have reportedly responded to the scene, and members of the ZRP homicide unit are currently at the property. My children say the military bomb disposal team is also on the way to handle the explosives used in the attack.”

Sikhala added that his wife was out of town attending a family memorial, and only their children — Job Jr, Ramaloka, Melody, Joshua, and Fidel — were at the property during the incident. He described the act as cowardly and called on all Zimbabweans to denounce what he referred to as an act of terrorism.

“My children must work with authorities to ensure the truth comes out. Whoever carried out this attack must be held accountable,” he added.

The explosion comes just weeks after the launch of Sikhala’s book was violently disrupted in Masvingo on July 12, 2025. While prior launches in Harare and Bulawayo proceeded peacefully, the Masvingo event at Charles Austin Theatre descended into chaos when a group allegedly affiliated with ZANU PF youth stormed the venue.

Attendees were reportedly assaulted, property was vandalized, and respected journalist and media commissioner Matthew Takaona — who was scheduled to give the keynote address — had his speech torn up. Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe president, Takafira Zhou, is said to have sustained injuries when a podium was thrown in his direction.

Several copies of Sikhala’s book were also damaged or taken during the fracas, forcing Sikhala to call off the event for the safety of guests. He publicly condemned the violence and demanded accountability for those involved.

One individual identified as a key instigator, Esau Mutanho, is now facing criminal charges and a US$150,000 civil lawsuit for his alleged role in the disruption. Despite this, Mutanho is reportedly running for a seat on the Masvingo City Council in an upcoming by-election.

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