South Africa’s Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Zimbabwe Constitutional Movement (Zicomo) have condemned the arrest of opposition leader Tendai Biti, calling for his immediate release and greater respect for civil liberties.
Biti, leader of the Constitution Defenders Forum (CDF), was arrested on March 21 in Mutare alongside party members and a local journalist. Authorities have not disclosed the charges.
In a statement, DA spokesperson on International Relations and Cooperation Ryan Smith described the arrest as a “wanton act of state brutality on political freedom” and urged South African authorities to intervene diplomatically.
“This latest act of wanton state brutality should sound alarm bells for the South African Presidency and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation,” Smith said.
He warned that Zimbabwe’s “democratic backslide” threatens regional stability and fuels migration into South Africa.
“South Africa cannot continue to turn a blind eye to the crisis on its doorstep,” he said.
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Smith said the CDF has gained traction opposing constitutional changes linked to President Emmerson Mnangagwa, particularly those contained in Constitution Amendment Bill No. 3, which critics say could extend presidential rule and weaken democratic safeguards.
He urged President Cyril Ramaphosa and International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola to publicly condemn the arrest and engage Harare through diplomatic channels.
“South Africa cannot continue to prop up leaders who trample on democracy and citizens’ rights across the region,” he said.
Smith also linked the arrest to a broader pattern of repression in Africa, citing similar developments in Uganda and Tanzania.
“Section 11.9 of the Government of National Unity’s statement of intent commits South Africa to a foreign policy grounded in human rights and constitutionalism. It cannot speak out on global injustices while ignoring violations next door,” he added.
Meanwhile, Zicomo also condemned the arrests and raised concern over the alleged abduction of student leader Dylan Cole, who was reportedly removed from a meeting on the Bill at Chinhoyi University last Saturday.
The organisation said the incidents come ahead of planned parliamentary public hearings on the proposed amendments, raising doubts about the government’s commitment to genuine public participation.
“The timing of the arrests raises serious questions about the integrity of the consultation process,” Zicomo said.
It accused state security agencies and the ruling Zanu PF of suppressing dissent through bans on meetings, violent disruptions and arrests.
“These actions reflect a troubling pattern aimed at silencing opposing voices,” the group said.
Zicomo expressed solidarity with Biti and others detained, calling for their “immediate and unconditional release” and warning that fear could undermine upcoming consultations set to begin on March 30.
The organisation said any constitutional amendments—particularly those extending the president’s term—should be subjected to a national referendum in line with section 328 of the Constitution.
It added that it would work with other civic groups to mobilise citizens to resist the proposed changes.