The National Democratic Working Group (NDWG) has accused Zimbabwean police of failing to act over the bombing of Job Wiwa Sikhala’s home in Chitungwiza nearly a month after the incident, saying the lack of communication amounts to neglect of duty.
The bombing took place while Sikhala had travelled to South Africa to launch his biography ‘Footprints in the Chains,’ which details Sikhala’s political journey and human rights abuses in Zimbabwe.
NDWG Deputy Spokesperson, Silenkosi Moyo, said the silence from law enforcement following the attack was deeply troubling.
“On behalf of the National Democratic Working Group Family (NDWG) we would like to express our disappointment on the law enforcement authorities (ZRP) for failure of solving the bombing case on Job Wiwa Sikhala’s residence,” Moyo said in a press statement.
“In the early hours of 30 August 2025, Hon Job Wiwa Sikhala’s home was bombed by unknown thugs. He was in South Africa for a book launch of his biography Footprints in the Chains, the life story of Hon Job Sikhala. His children were at home sleeping and his wife was away at a family function at their rural home.”
Sikhala, 53, a long-time government critic and former opposition legislator, said the explosion left significant damage to his house and a vehicle parked outside.
His children escaped unharmed, but he claimed on social media -X- that the attack was intended “to kill my children.”
The NDWG Deputy Spokesperson said police have failed to update either Sikhala or his family despite the seriousness of the incident.
“We have not received any feedback or communication, not even a free ‘Please Call Me Back’ message. This did not sit well with us and we demand immediate action on this matter as we believe it is his right to receive services from the police,” Moyo said.
Video footage shared on social media showed shattered windows, a damaged facade and a collapsed section of the roof at Sikhala’s Chitungwiza home.
Despite this footage, no arrests have been reported.
The attack comes against the backdrop of repeated clashes between Sikhala and authorities.
In June 2022, Sikhala was detained without bail for 595 days on charges of inciting public violence.
He was released after serving a suspended sentence and went on to establish the NDWG, a pro-democracy civic movement.
Sikhala’s recent biography, which recounts his political journey and human rights abuses in Zimbabwe, has also drawn controversy.
In July, suspected Zanu PF youths violently disrupted a launch event in Masvingo, assaulting guests and confiscating books.
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