News / National
ZimRights condemns arson attack on SAPES Trust
3 hrs ago |
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Local human rights group ZimRights has strongly condemned the firebombing of SAPES Trust premises in Belgravia, which was scheduled to host a press conference challenging President Emmerson Mnangagwa's bid to extend his rule beyond the constitutional two-term limit.
In a statement, ZimRights described the attack as a "dangerous escalation of politically motivated violence" aimed at intimidating citizens and suppressing legitimate public discourse.
"The press conference was to discuss critical constitutional issues affecting Zimbabwe's future, and such actions are an alarming sign of attempts to silence perceived dissent," the statement said.
According to ZimRights, the arson is part of a broader pattern of attacks on civic spaces, human rights defenders, and activists, citing findings from their State of Peace Report 2024-25, which revealed that 71% of respondents reported experiencing some form of violence in their communities.
The attack involved unidentified assailants who threw petrol bombs, destroying the seminar room. The night security guard was abducted, and the gate was locked with new keys, apparently to delay firefighting response.
Dr. Ibbo Mandaza, Director of SAPES Trust, confirmed the incident:
"The SAPES Trust Seminar Room, the usual venue for meetings, has been completely gutted by the arsonists, who also abducted the security guard on duty. The press conference scheduled for 11AM today will proceed as planned on the ashes of the destruction and in full view of the world and parallel with their 'SONA!' Yes, it will be well; there is a tomorrow in Zimbabwe."
The attack comes hours after another act of violence was reported in Highfield, where the home of activist Gilbert Bgwende was also set on fire, suggesting a coordinated effort to intimidate voices opposing the presidential term extension.
ZimRights called on the authorities to thoroughly investigate the incidents, hold the perpetrators accountable, and ensure the safety of civic spaces and activists in Zimbabwe.
These attacks underscore growing concerns over political intimidation and the erosion of democratic freedoms in the country.
In a statement, ZimRights described the attack as a "dangerous escalation of politically motivated violence" aimed at intimidating citizens and suppressing legitimate public discourse.
"The press conference was to discuss critical constitutional issues affecting Zimbabwe's future, and such actions are an alarming sign of attempts to silence perceived dissent," the statement said.
According to ZimRights, the arson is part of a broader pattern of attacks on civic spaces, human rights defenders, and activists, citing findings from their State of Peace Report 2024-25, which revealed that 71% of respondents reported experiencing some form of violence in their communities.
The attack involved unidentified assailants who threw petrol bombs, destroying the seminar room. The night security guard was abducted, and the gate was locked with new keys, apparently to delay firefighting response.
"The SAPES Trust Seminar Room, the usual venue for meetings, has been completely gutted by the arsonists, who also abducted the security guard on duty. The press conference scheduled for 11AM today will proceed as planned on the ashes of the destruction and in full view of the world and parallel with their 'SONA!' Yes, it will be well; there is a tomorrow in Zimbabwe."
The attack comes hours after another act of violence was reported in Highfield, where the home of activist Gilbert Bgwende was also set on fire, suggesting a coordinated effort to intimidate voices opposing the presidential term extension.
ZimRights called on the authorities to thoroughly investigate the incidents, hold the perpetrators accountable, and ensure the safety of civic spaces and activists in Zimbabwe.
These attacks underscore growing concerns over political intimidation and the erosion of democratic freedoms in the country.
Source - onlkine
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