Event Summary
On 27 October 2025, ten unidentified men attacked the premises of the Southern African Political Economy Series (SAPES) Trust, a regional policy think tank in Harare. After assaulting and abducting the security guard, they locked the gate and set fire to the seminar room and restaurant. Hours later, the guard was released in Harare’s CBD, traumatised and fearing further harm. Just hours later, on 28 October at 1:30 a.m., the home of Gilbert Bgwende, a member of the Constitutional Defence Forum, a civic group opposed to President Mnangagwa’s term extension, was also set ablaze. It was also reported that the police disrupted a press conference in Bulawayo on the same date. These incidents occurred before a critical National Press Conference planned by pro-democracy groups scheduled for 28 October. The conference aimed to address the controversial 2030 Agenda proposed by the ruling ZANU PF party, which seeks to extend the President’s term beyond constitutional limits.
These coordinated attacks—alongside a similar arson at SAPES Trust in 2023—signal a systematic campaign of intimidation targeting civil society and opposition voices. Such actions pose a serious threat to freedom of expression and assembly. In response, civil society organizations have condemned the violence and called for independent investigations, enhanced protection for activists, and international solidarity. They also urge the government to uphold constitutional rights and ensure a safe environment for civic engagement.