Zimbabwe News Update
bulawayo24
10 min read
Latest NewsEditor’s Choice
News / NationalZimRights condemns arson attack on SAPES Trustby Staff reporter1 hr ago |56ViewsLocal 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.
Read the full article
