A student from the Bindura University of Science Education (BUSE) was reportedly abducted amid rising concerns over violence as Parliament-led public hearings on Constitutional Amendment No. 3 commenced nationwide today.
Thousands of Zimbabweans thronged various centres where Members of Parliament began the hearings early this morning, with additional sessions scheduled for the afternoon.
However, the Senator Jameson Zvidzai Timba-led Defend the Constitution Platform reported the alleged abduction of Tafara Magodora, who was reportedly taken by unidentified individuals in a white twin-cab vehicle from a bus stop.
“The circumstances of this incident are deeply alarming. We are informed that Tafara was engaged in lawful civic mobilisation, encouraging fellow students to stand firm in defence of the Constitution,” said Timba.
“If this is true, then his abduction represents a dangerous escalation in the use of fear and coercion to silence citizens—particularly young people—exercising their constitutional rights.
“This is unacceptable. No citizen, and certainly no student, should be targeted, abducted, or disappeared for peacefully expressing views or participating in public affairs. Such actions strike at the very heart of constitutionalism, the rule of law, and the dignity of our people.”
Timba called on authorities to act immediately, transparently account for Magodora’s whereabouts, and ensure his safety.
He further demanded Magodora’s immediate release if he is being detained, access to legal representation and family, and a swift, credible investigation to bring those responsible to account.
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“Zimbabwe cannot continue down a path where citizens are seized in broad daylight for holding lawful views. That path leads away from democracy and towards lawlessness,” he said.
He also urged students, churches, labour groups, civil society, and other democratic actors to remain vigilant and united in defending the Constitution.
“The targeting of students is particularly troubling—it signals an attempt to intimidate an entire generation into silence. We stand in full solidarity with Tafara Magodora, his family, and the student community.”
Meanwhile, Amalgamated Teachers Union of Zimbabwe president Obert Masaraure reported further disturbances at hearing venues.
In Chitungwiza, at the Aquatic Complex, Stephen Chuma was allegedly threatened by individuals attempting to forcibly remove him from the venue.
“They are trying to bar him from speaking. Those at the venue should look out for him and offer protection,” Masaraure said.
Hundreds of residents in the dormitory town began gathering as early as mid-morning today at the Aquatic Complex Hall in Zengeza 4 for a Parliamentary public hearing on the Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, scheduled to start at 2pm.
Around 11am, when the NewsDay crew arrived at the venue, large crowds had already filled the hall and its surroundings, with more people continuing to trickle in to participate in the consultative process.
Some residents who spoke to NewsDay said they had arrived early to secure an opportunity to be heard, amid expectations that the consultations would attract significant public interest.
In Wedza, Mashasha reportedly fled for his life after men driving a Toyota Fortuner allegedly attempted to abduct him near the venue.
“Compatriots in Wedza should offer him any form of support possible,” Masaraure added.
