By Patience Gondo
The Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) has condemned a series of suspected arson attacks in Harare, including the firebombing of the SAPES Trust offices and the burning of a home belonging to Constitutional Defence Forum member Gilbert Mbwende.
The church body said the incidents is a serious attack on peace and civil liberties.
ZCC said the firebombing also involved the abduction of a security guard, raising fears over the safety of civic groups and human rights defenders.
In a statement on Thursday dated October 30, the ZCC the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission, and the Zimbabwe Independent Complaints Commission should launch independent investigations and ensure that those responsible are arrested and brought to justice.
“Violence in any form, whether physical, verbal, or structural, undermines the peace we seek to build as a nation and erodes trust necessary for democratic engagement,” ZCC said.
The SAPES Trust offices in Belgravia were reportedly attacked in the early hours of the morning, while Mbwende’s home in Highfield was destroyed by fire on the same night.
Police are yet to release official details of the investigations.
The ZCC said the attacks threaten the country’s progress toward peace and dialogue.
“These incidents are an attack on peace, human dignity, and civil liberties, including freedom of assembly, speech, and association,” the church body said.
The council called for a swift and transparent investigation into the incidents, warning that acts of intimidation could weaken national unity.
“We call for calm, restraint and renewed commitment to dialogue as the cornerstone of a peaceful Zimbabwe,”
The ZCC also said it stands in solidarity with all victims of violence and urged authorities to uphold the rule of law and protect citizens’ rights.
“We continue to pray for the victims of these attacks, for courage among our leaders to pursue truth and justice, and for the healing of our nation,” the church said.
The Zimbabwe Council of Churches represents various Christian denominations and has often played a mediating role during times of national tension.
The attacks come at a time when several civil society organisations in Zimbabwe have reported increased threats and intimidation.
The SAPES Trust, one of the targeted organisations, is known for promoting dialogue and policy research on democracy and governance.
Police have not yet confirmed arrests related to the attacks, but the ZCC’s call adds pressure on law enforcement to act quickly.