Anti-2030 Agenda Press Conference Venue Razed By Fire in Suspected Arson AttackCivil society leader Obert Masaraure, one of the speakers at the planned press conference, described the inferno as a clear act of political intimidation.
“This is how the venue of our planned conference now looks like. The press conference will go ahead. Arsonists attacked at 0040hrs and reduced our venue to ashes. They are scared of the truth and they are in panic! We won’t be silenced,” Masaraure wrote on Facebook early Monday morning.
The press conference — organised by a coalition of civic leaders, academics and activists — was expected to outline a united position on what critics are calling a “constitutional coup attempt” by Zanu PF to keep Mnangagwa in power beyond his constitutional two-term limit, which ends in 2028.
Political Party Merchandise
While police are yet to issue an official statement, the timing and target of the attack have raised strong suspicions of political foul play.
Several observers and human rights defenders say Zanu PF’s hand cannot be ruled out, pointing to a pattern of intimidation, harassment and violent attacks on dissenting voices that challenge the ruling party’s authority.This was not an accident,” said a senior member of one civic group who requested anonymity. “The timing is too calculated. SAPES Trust is a space for free debate — burning it down hours before a press conference critical of the regime is not coincidental.”
By dawn, photos circulating on social media showed the SAPES Trust hall reduced to ashes — its conference furniture, books and documents destroyed in the blaze. The building has hosted countless public discussions and policy dialogues since the 1980s, often serving as one of the few remaining neutral platforms for political engagement in Zimbabwe.
Dr Mandaza could not be immediately reached for comment, but sources close to him confirmed that he was “deeply shaken yet undeterred.”
Masaraure said the group would not be cowed into silence, announcing that the press conference would proceed later today at an alternative venue.
“They can burn buildings, but they cannot burn the truth,” he declared.
