Ibbo Mandaza threatens legal action over SAPES bombing probe

Academic and political analyst Ibbo Mandaza has threatened legal action against the police, accusing investigators of failing to provide updates on the bombing of SAPES Trust offices in Harare last year.

Mandaza, through his lawyer Obey Shava of Shava Law Chambers, has demanded the release of a preliminary forensic report and clarity on the status of the final investigation into the attack.

The complaint centres on the bombing of SAPES Trust offices in Belgravia, Harare, which occurred in the early hours of 28 October 2025, just hours before a scheduled press conference by opposition figures.

According to the letter addressed to CID Law and Order detective PT Majuta, police had previously acknowledged receipt of inquiries and indicated that they would respond after consulting the relevant station, but no feedback has been provided for over two months.

Shava said police had earlier indicated that a preliminary forensic report existed but had not shared it with SAPES Trust, despite repeated requests.

"We find the continued silence from your department to be deeply concerning and administratively unacceptable," the lawyer wrote.

He further argued that the delay was prejudicing SAPES Trust, particularly in relation to insurance claims and internal security assessments.

The legal team has given police seven days to release the report and provide a full update, warning that failure to comply will result in court action.

"Should you fail to comply or provide a satisfactory response, we have strict instructions to escalate this matter," Shava said.

The bombing drew strong condemnation at the time, with critics linking the incident to rising political tensions and concerns over shrinking democratic space in Zimbabwe ahead of debates around the proposed extension of presidential term limits.

Authorities have not yet publicly confirmed any arrests or named suspects in connection with the attack.