Attackers firebombed offices in Harare that were set to host critics of President Emmerson Mnangagwa hours before a scheduled press conference on Tuesday. Assailants threw petrol bombs into the SAPES Trust building after midnight, destroyed the seminar room and kidnapped the security guard before padlocking the gates to block firefighters. Police investigated the scene as opposition politician Tendai Biti called the arson an attack on democratic freedoms.
The conference planned to address alleged attempts by ruling party members to change the constitution and extend Mnangagwa's presidency beyond legal limits. SAPES Trust director Ibbo Mandaza confirmed that the assault completely burned the venue where activists and opposition figures were preparing to speak. Authorities have not issued a statement about the incident, while organizers postponed the briefing but pledged to continue defending constitutional limits on presidential terms.
The conference planned to address alleged attempts by ruling party members to change the constitution and extend Mnangagwa's presidency beyond legal limits. SAPES Trust director Ibbo Mandaza confirmed that the assault completely burned the venue where activists and opposition figures were preparing to speak. Authorities have not issued a statement about the incident, while organizers postponed the briefing but pledged to continue defending constitutional limits on presidential terms.
