SAPES Trust Firebombed Ahead of Anti-Term Extension Press Conference

HARARE – The SAPES Trust offices in Belgravia, Harare, were petrol-bombed overnight, just hours before the venue was due to host a press conference by pro-democracy activists opposing alleged plans to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term beyond the constitutional limit.

Police officers were seen camped outside the property early Tuesday morning as investigators combed through the charred remains of the building. The seminar room, where the news conference was scheduled to take place at 11AM, was completely gutted by fire.

Attack Before Scheduled Briefing

SAPES Trust director Dr Ibbo Mandaza confirmed the attack, saying unknown assailants threw petrol bombs into the facility shortly after midnight before abducting the night guard and locking the main gate with new padlocks — apparently to delay emergency responders.

“The SAPES Trust seminar room, the usual venue for our public discussions, has been completely destroyed by the arsonists,” said Dr Mandaza. “They abducted the security guard who was on duty and replaced the gate locks to prevent firefighters from entering.”

The motive behind the attack remains unclear, though it occurred just hours before a coalition of civil society figures and opposition politicians was expected to address the media on alleged plans by ZANU PF loyalists to push for constitutional amendments extending Mnangagwa’s rule.

“A Non-Partisan Effort”

Speaking outside the burnt premises, opposition politician Tendai Biti, one of the conveners of the planned event, condemned the attack, calling it an assault on democratic freedoms.

“This was a non-partisan, non-political initiative aimed at defending the constitution,” Biti said. “The use of violence to silence differing views is a tragic reflection of the intolerance that continues to haunt our politics.”

Political Tensions Rise

The incident comes amid mounting political tension within Zimbabwe’s ruling ZANU PF party, where reports of internal divisions have surfaced over succession and governance issues. The attack on SAPES — a long-standing policy and dialogue institution — has sparked outrage among civic groups who say it marks an escalation in the shrinking democratic space.

Images from the scene show charred debris, burnt furniture, and collapsed roofing, leaving the seminar hall a blackened shell. Police have yet to release an official statement on the attack, though officers were seen taking photographs and collecting evidence at the scene.

SAPES Trust, founded by Dr Mandaza, has for years hosted public policy dialogues bringing together politicians, academics, and activists to debate key national issues.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the planned press conference was postponed, with organisers vowing to continue their campaign to “defend the constitution and reject authoritarian amendments.”