Mandaza was left visibly shaken as Biti, Sikhala, Ngarivhume fled

Prominent academic and SAPES Trust director Dr Ibbo Mandaza was left visibly shaken on Monday night as opposition leaders who had come to show solidarity fled the scene upon the arrival of Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) anti-riot officers, moments after addressing the media about a suspected arson attack at the institution.

Mandaza's think tank, located in Harare, had suffered extensive damage earlier in the day after a mysterious fire gutted its main auditorium, known as the Seminar Room.

Among those who visited the site were opposition figures Tendai Biti, Job Sikhala, and Jacob Ngarivhume, who were expressing concern over what they claimed was a politically motivated act of intimidation.

However, the situation took a tense turn soon after they finished speaking to journalists. As ZRP's paramilitary unit arrived at the premises, the trio abruptly ended their engagement and made a quick exit.

Eyewitnesses said Sikhala immediately jumped into his black, tinted Mercedes-Benz, whose driver appeared to have been waiting nearby. Biti, sensing the looming confrontation, reportedly scrambled into the same vehicle, squeezing in next to the former Zengeza West legislator.

With no space left, Ngarivhume sprinted toward his Isuzu KB250, jumped in, and ordered his driver to speed away before officers could approach.

Dr Mandaza, who had been the last to speak, remained behind - stunned and alone. He attempted to finish his remarks, repeatedly stammering the word "stopped" before finally managing to explain that SAPES Trust had long suspended physical seminars, opting instead for online discussions.

The three opposition leaders - who have been vocal critics of Zanu PF's proposed constitutional amendment to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term - have been warning citizens against what they describe as an "illegal" attempt to subvert the Constitution.

Biti and Sikhala, both former senior members of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), have since parted ways with the party following internal disputes. The two, alongside Welshman Ncube, had attempted a rotational leadership arrangement before abandoning it.

The cause of the SAPES Trust fire remains under investigation, though Mandaza and others have suggested possible state involvement, given the institution's history of hosting public policy dialogues critical of government.