SAPES Trust Threatens Legal Action Over Police Handling of Bombing Case

SAPES Trust is considering legal action against Zimbabwe police, accusing them of delays and possible collusion in investigations into the October 2025 bombing of its Harare offices (image source)

HARARE — The Southern African Political Economy Series (SAPES) Trust says it is considering legal action against the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) over what it describes as the slow and questionable handling of investigations into the October 2025 bombing of its Belgravia premises.

The attack occurred on the night of October 27, 2025, when unknown assailants allegedly used petrol as an accelerant to start an incendiary fire in the organisation’s seminar room. The venue was scheduled to host a press conference the following morning by activists opposed to efforts by ZANU-PF to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term of office by two years.

In correspondence dated December 15, CID chief director Patrick Majuta confirmed that police were investigating the incident and had established that petrol was used to ignite the fire. However, SAPES Trust says that more than two months after the attack, there has been no meaningful progress in the case, raising doubts about the seriousness of the investigation.

In a statement, the organisation said the prolonged delay amounted to evidence of state involvement. “The time it has taken so far to bring the culprits to book is more than sufficient proof that this is a case of state collusion,” SAPES Trust said.

The trust alleged that the attack could only have been carried out by a state-linked entity, citing reports that the assailants used Ford Ranger vehicles without number plates and what it described as military-grade equipment. It also pointed to the heavy deployment of riot police at its offices the following morning, which prevented the planned press conference from taking place.

Opposition leaders were expected to address the media at the SAPES Trust offices as part of broader efforts to mobilise public opposition to proposals to extend Mnangagwa’s rule beyond the constitutionally mandated two five-year terms. A similar press briefing planned for Bulawayo was also reportedly blocked by police.

SAPES Trust further claimed that the pace and conduct of investigations suggest a possible cover-up. The organisation said witness statements recorded in early December, including one from a security guard who was allegedly abducted during the attack, have not been released by investigating officers.

Police had not responded to the latest allegations at the time of publication.