ZimRights Condemns Arson Attack On SAPES Trust

The Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights) has condemned the arson attack on SAPES Trust in Belgravia, Harare, in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

The incident occurred just hours before a scheduled press conference, damaging the SAPES Trust Seminar Room, which was to host several opposition political figures.

In a statement, ZimRights said the attack marks a dangerous escalation of politically motivated violence, aimed at intimidating citizens and suppressing legitimate public discourse. It said:

“This latest attack is a direct manifestation of the environment of fear and repression that many Zimbabweans face daily.

“The bombing of SAPES Trust is not an isolated incident; it is part of a larger pattern of attacks against civic spaces, human rights defenders, and activists exercising their rights and freedoms.

“The attack on SAPES Trust involved unidentified assailants who allegedly threw petrol bombs, destroying the seminar room.

“The night guard was abducted, and the gate was locked with new keys in a blatant attempt to delay firefighters from responding to the blaze.”

According to ZimRights, the attack comes shortly after another reported incident in Highfield, where the home of activist Gilbert Bgwende was set ablaze in the early hours of the same morning. It said:

“These attacks, which occurred just hours apart, suggest a coordinated effort to intimidate those speaking out about constitutional matters and to undermine the very foundation of democratic engagement in Zimbabwe.

“These attacks on SAPES Trust and Gilbert Bgwende’s home are a clear violation of fundamental rights enshrined in Zimbabwe’s Constitution…

“Such attacks show a blatant disregard for these fundamental rights, which are supposed to be the cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s democracy.

“This is not just an attack on SAPES Trust, but an assault on the right of all Zimbabweans to engage freely in human rights and civic discourse.”

ZimRights has called for a thorough investigation into the attacks on SAPES Trust and activist Bgwende’s home.

The organisation also urged the State to guarantee the safety of civil society groups, activists, and venues hosting civic activities.

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