A SOUTH AFRICAN court yesterday postponed the case in which outspoken politician Job Sikhala is facing terrorism charges after prosecutors indicated they were still awaiting key fingerprint and DNA evidence.
Sikhala and his co-accused, Alexander Thema, are expected back in court on May 4.
National Democratic Working Group (NDWG) spokesperson Isaya Ndawana said the party welcomed the development, describing it as a sign that due process was being followed.
“We received the news with great joy, as the case is vividly losing any weight or value since it first broke last year,” Ndawana told Sikhala’s supporters after the court session in Pretoria.
“Courts and Judiciary Services in South Africa are showing the world that justice is everyone’s right, regardless of race, ethnic group, or country of origin.
“We are glad that everything is proceeding as planned to see our Chairman and chief facilitator, together with his uncle, continue to receive a fair trial in a properly instituted justice delivery system, which is not compromised or infested by political hands.”
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The treasurer-general of the People’s United Democratic Movement of Eswatini, Velaphi Mamba, attended proceedings at the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court in solidarity with Sikhala.
Sikhala, the NDWG chairperson and chief facilitator, was arrested last year after explosives were allegedly found in the car he was travelling in. He was apprehended by the South African Police Service along with his uncle.
The former Zengeza West legislator was later released on R10 000 bail and has remained in South Africa awaiting trial.
Sikhala has denied the allegations, claiming the explosives were planted in his uncle’s car by individuals seeking to silence him because of his political views.
He previously spent more than 500 days in pre-trial detention at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison in Zimbabwe on charges of incitement to violence.