By Nyashadzashe Ndoro -NehandaRadio
Another fire was reported at the Highfield home of Gilbert Bgwende, a member of the Constitutional Defence Forum, a civic group opposed to Mnangagwa’s term extension.
HARARE – Two suspected arson attacks in Harare early Tuesday have raised alarm over escalating intimidation against civil society and opposition groups opposing plans to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s rule beyond 2028.The first attack occurred shortly after midnight at the Southern African Political Economy Series (SAPES) Trust premises in Belgravia, a well-known venue for public policy discussions.
According to reports, unidentified men firebombed the building, abducted the night guard, and locked the gate with new keys. The seminar room, which was set to host a press conference later in the morning, was completely gutted by fire.SAPES Trust Executive Chairman, Ibbo Mandaza, confirmed the incident in a statement, saying the attackers “completely gutted” the seminar room.
He added that despite the destruction, the planned press conference would proceed as planned coinciding with Mnangagwa’s State of the Nation Address (SONA).The SAPES Trust Seminar Room, the usual venue for meetings, has been completely gutted by the arsonists who have since abducted the security guard who was on duty,” Mandaza stated.
“But the Press Conference scheduled for 11 am today will proceed as planned, on the ashes of the destruction and in full view of the world and parallel with their ‘SONA’! Yes, it will be well; there is a tomorrow in Zimbabwe.”