HARARE, Mar. 31 (NewsDay Live) — A parliamentary public hearing on Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 descended into chaos Tuesday after rowdy youths disrupted proceedings at the City Sports Centre, forcing an abrupt shutdown.
Witnesses said groups of alleged Zanu PF supporters stormed the venue, chanting slogans and blocking opposition figures from speaking, turning the consultation into a tense standoff. The hearing was part of nationwide consultations taking place this week.
Journalists were trapped inside the venue, with some youths demanding that they delete footage from cellphones and cameras.
Participants described a tightly controlled process prior to the disruption, with around 150 pre-selected speakers overwhelmingly backing the controversial bill, raising concerns about the credibility of the exercise.
Tensions flared when dissenting voices attempted to speak, sparking scuffles across the hall. Human rights lawyer Doug Coltart said he was assaulted during the melee and had his cellphone stolen.
Other opposition figures at the hearing included Fadzai Mahere, Jameson Timba, Lovemore Madhuku, Munyaradzi Gwisai and Tendai Biti.
The incident adds to growing criticism from civil society groups and opposition actors, who argue the consultations are neither free nor representative despite Parliament’s nationwide outreach programme.
Proceedings in Harare were effectively halted, marking one of the most turbulent sessions since the hearings began.
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Elsewhere, about 400 people attended a similar engagement meeting in Makande, Kariba Rural, where most participants expressed support for the bill, citing its potential to empower marginalized communities. Attendees came from Makande, Kudzanayi, Kariba Urban and Musambakaruma, areas widely considered Zanu PF strongholds.
Zanu PF youth leader Itai Chakazamba described the bill as “a game changer” for marginalized communities, urging support for development.
However, some attendees claimed people were transported from other areas to boost numbers, raising questions about the authenticity of the turnout. One villager, speaking anonymously, said many did not fully understand the bill and were simply following party directives.
Public hearings in Manicaland began in Makoni District under Nyanga South MP Supa Mandiwanzira, with reports that some supporters were ferried in by bus. Most speakers backed the bill.
At the same meeting, former Makoni Central MP David Tekeshe challenged proposals to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s tenure, warning it could undermine democratic principles.
He said war veterans fought for “one person, one vote,” adding that allowing MPs to choose the president could promote corruption.
Tekeshe also sparked backlash after claiming former Rhodesian leader Ian Smith was better than Mnangagwa, drawing boos from Zanu PF supporters.
Additional reporting by Kenneth Nyangani and Obadiah Siamulandu
