Unidentified assailants firebombed the Sapes Trust offices in Belgravia, Harare, in the early hours of Wednesday morning, completely destroying the organisation’s seminar room, a prominent venue for public debates and policy discussions. The attack occurred just hours before a scheduled press conference by opposition figures Job Sikhala and Tendai Biti, which was expected to challenge the government’s position on the United Nations’ Agenda 2030.
According to Dr. Ibbo Mandaza, founder of the Southern African Political Economy Series (Sapes) Trust, the arsonists also abducted the night guard who was on duty, later fleeing the scene after locking the property gate with new padlocks. Mandaza described the incident as “an organised attack” in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
“Yes, it was an organised attack at 12:40 am today,” Mandaza wrote. “The main target was the SAPES Trust Seminar Room, the usual venue for meetings, which has been left gutted by fire. They abducted the guard on duty after locking up the gate with two padlocks.”As of publication, the police had not issued a statement, and investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Founded by Mandaza decades ago, the Sapes Trust has long been recognised as a platform for public dialogue on democracy, governance, and human rights in Zimbabwe. Its seminar room has hosted numerous debates, workshops, and policy discussions, drawing academics, civil society actors, and political figures from across the country.
Observers note that the timing of the attack, occurring hours before a high-profile press conference by opposition leaders, raises concerns about politically motivated intimidation. Sikhala and Biti were scheduled to address the media regarding the government’s handling of Agenda 2030, an initiative widely discussed in the context of sustainable development goals and governance reforms.
The abduction of the night guard further indicates the level of premeditation behind the attack, as perpetrators ensured the property was secured with new padlocks before leaving. Witnesses and Mandaza described the incident as highly coordinated, reflecting an intent to disrupt Sapes Trust’s activities.
The seminar room, which has long been the hub of Sapes Trust events, was completely gutted by fire, causing significant material and symbolic loss for the organisation. The destruction of the facility is expected to disrupt scheduled activities, including workshops, lectures, and public engagements aimed at promoting civic education and political awareness.
Sapes Trust Premises Firebombed in Belgravia, Harare
The attack has sparked condemnation from civil society actors and raised urgent questions about freedom of expression and assembly in Zimbabwe. Analysts argue that targeting Sapes Trust, a historically respected forum for public dialogue, represents a worrying trend in curbing independent thought and silencing dissenting voices.
Dr. Mandaza, a veteran scholar and commentator on Zimbabwean political economy, has consistently advocated for transparent governance and democratic reforms. Over the years, Sapes Trust has functioned as a neutral platform where citizens and policymakers could engage in constructive debate, making the firebombing a significant blow to civil society engagement in the country.
Security analysts have highlighted that the attack could have wider implications for opposition activities and civil society operations, especially as political tensions rise ahead of upcoming elections. By targeting a venue known for hosting critical discussions, the assailants may have sought to intimidate stakeholders and discourage public participation in governance debates.
The local and international community is closely watching the developments, calling for a thorough investigation and accountability for the perpetrators. Human rights groups have urged authorities to provide protection for civil society organisations and reaffirm commitment to democratic freedoms.
The fire destroyed significant infrastructure, including equipment, documents, and materials used for workshops and seminars. Rebuilding the premises and restoring the seminar room is expected to take time, potentially hampering the Trust’s capacity to conduct its usual activities.
This incident is part of a broader concern about attacks on civic spaces in Zimbabwe, where spaces for independent dialogue are increasingly under threat. Civil society actors warn that such incidents, if left unchecked, could erode public trust in governance, limit policy debate, and stifle advocacy for democratic reforms.
Sapes Trust remains committed to continuing its work despite the attack, with Dr. Mandaza vowing that the organisation will rebuild and continue hosting dialogues that promote informed citizen participation and policy engagement.
This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as investigations progress and further information becomes available. The community, academics, and political stakeholders are expected to monitor the situation closely, given its potential ramifications for civil society and political discourse in Zimbabwe.
Source- Bulawayo24
