Opposition leaders abandoned SAPES Trust director Ibbo Mandaza after police riot units arrived at the facility on Monday night. Tendai Biti, Job Sikhala and Jacob Ngarivhume had gathered to inspect damage from a fire that destroyed the main auditorium. Officers appeared as the politicians addressed reporters about the blaze.
Sikhala entered his Mercedes-Benz while Biti climbed into the rear seat beside him. Ngarivhume ran to his Isuzu vehicle and departed before authorities could respond. Mandaza remained alone and struggled to complete his statement to journalists, repeating one word seven times.
The director eventually explained that his organization shifted meetings to virtual platforms. Suspected state agents reportedly set the building ablaze earlier that evening. The incident occurred in the research institution's seminar room.
Sikhala entered his Mercedes-Benz while Biti climbed into the rear seat beside him. Ngarivhume ran to his Isuzu vehicle and departed before authorities could respond. Mandaza remained alone and struggled to complete his statement to journalists, repeating one word seven times.
The director eventually explained that his organization shifted meetings to virtual platforms. Suspected state agents reportedly set the building ablaze earlier that evening. The incident occurred in the research institution's seminar room.
