By Leonnel Mhuka
The Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) today said it is deeply concerned by the recent suspected arson attacks in Harare, describing them as a serious assault on peace, human dignity, and civil liberties. In a statement issued on 30 October 2025, the ZCC condemned the incidents, including the firebombing of the SAPES Trust offices and the destruction of a private home, and called for calm, accountability, and renewed commitment to dialogue and justice.
Statement on the Recent Arson Attacks in Harare
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.” – Matthew 5:9.
30 October 2025
The Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) expresses deep concern over the recent reports of suspected arson attacks in Harare, including the firebombing of the SAPES Trust offices and the destruction of a home belonging to Gilbert Bgwende a member of the constitutional defense forum. These incidents, which also reportedly involved the abduction of a security guard, mark a deeply troubling development in our country and are an attack on peace, human dignity, and civil liberties which include freedom of assembly, speech and association.
As the Church, we are guided by the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.” Violence in any form, whether physical, verbal, or structural, undermines the peace we seek to build as a nation and erodes the trust necessary for democratic engagement. The ZCC stands in solidarity with all victims of violence and calls for:
Responsible authorities including the Zimbabwe Republic Police, Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission and Zimbabwe Independent Complains Commission to conduct independent investigations on the case and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable;
A swift, transparent, and impartial investigation into the arson attacks, ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice;
The upholding of the rule of law and constitutional guarantees that safeguard freedom of assembly, speech, and conscience as part of the protection of Civic Space.
ZCC believes that Zimbabwe’s hope lies in dialogue. Acts of intimidation and destruction only deepen divisions and threaten the vision of a peaceful and united Zimbabwe that we all want.
Through our ongoing work in National Dialogue, Just Peace and Social Cohesion, the ZCC continues to create inclusive spaces where political, civic, traditional, and faith leaders can meet, listen, and seek common ground for the healing and transformation of our country. We therefore call for calm, restraint, and renewed commitment to dialogue as the cornerstone of a peaceful Zimbabwe.
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.
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