03/11/2025
The Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum (the Forum) notes with deep concern the recent escalation in politically motivated violence, arson, arrests, and general social unrest following the controversy surrounding the proposed bid to extend the President’s term of office to 2030.
In the early hours of the morning of 28 October 2025 and under the cover of darkness, SAPES Trust in Belgravia was subjected to an arson attack, just hours before a scheduled press conference intended to discuss the constitutional crisis said to have arisen from the proposed 2030 bid. Unidentified assailants allegedly threw petrol bombs, destroying the seminar room. The Forum has also received verified reports that a night guard was abducted, and the gate was re-locked with new keys in an apparent attempt to delay firefighters from responding to the blaze.
SAPES was then barricaded by the Zimbabwe Republic Police, with the effect that, 10 hours after the attack, the press conference could not take place. The civic leaders were able to give brief statements outside SAPES premises.
In a related incident in the early hours of the same morning, the home of activist Gilbert Bgwende in Hatfield, Harare, was set on fire. At the same time, police also cordoned off the Bulawayo Club, where activists had been scheduled to meet to discuss the constitutional question. At least nine political activists have reportedly been arrested in connection with these events.
These attacks, coupled with the arbitrary arrests, suggest a coordinated and deliberate attempt to silence citizens and suppress peaceful civic discussion. Such actions are incompatible with the constitutional protections guaranteed to all Zimbabweans. Section 61 of the Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of expression and freedom of the media, including the right to seek, receive, and communicate ideas and information. These acts also violate the rights to human dignity and personal security enshrined in Sections 51 and 52 of the Constitution.
The Forum further reminds the Government of its obligations under regional and international human rights instruments, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which guarantees freedom of expression (Article 9), freedom of association (Article 10), and freedom of assembly (Article 11). These instruments oblige the State to respect, protect, and fulfil these rights.
The Forum reiterates that the deepening state aggression marked by the current wave of violence will not assist the ruling party in advancing its controversial 2030 bid. Rather, it only serves to deepen national divisions and undermine public trust in institutions established to uphold the Constitution. We strongly condemn the use of state security apparatus as instruments for settling political differences. We call upon the police to discharge their duties with impartiality, professionalism, and full respect for the will of the people.
The Forum reminds the Government of the words of Dr Edson Zvobgo on the importance of human dignity as a driving factor in the war of liberation:
“Every one of us has lived, has had to live, scared of the police… We don’t want it. We are fed up of it. And, this is why we are in this revolution for as long as is necessary, to abolish this system.”
The Forum calls on authorities to remember this guiding principle of the liberation struggle and to act decisively to reverse the current trajectory that is once again subjecting citizens to conditions reminiscent of the colonial era.
Accordingly, the Forum calls upon the Government and relevant authorities to:
1. Immediately launch an independent, impartial, and transparent investigation into the arson attacks at SAPES Trust and the attack on Mr Bgwende’s home;
2. Secure and preserve all crime scenes and forensic evidence, and ensure the prompt and thorough prosecution of those responsible;
3. Immediately release all persons arbitrarily arrested for exercising their rights to freedom of expression, assembly, and association, and ensure due process for any legitimate criminal suspects in accordance with the law;
4. Ensure that law enforcement agencies act with professionalism, impartiality, and restraint, and cease any actions that infringe constitutional and regional human rights protections; and
5. Guarantee a safe environment for peaceful civic discussion and media activity, including protection for venues and individuals exercising their rights peacefully.
//ENDS//
