MDC leader Douglas Mwonzora has struck a defiant tone, vowing to meet retired Air Marshal Henry Muchena despite alleged death threats warning him against engaging with the former military chief.
The threats come amid escalating political tension surrounding retired military officials’ opposition to the Constitution Amendment No 3 Bill (CAB 3), under debate in Parliament.
CAB 3 Bill seeks to extend the terms of the President, MPs, senators and councillors from five to seven years, while also proposing that Parliament, rather than the electorate, chooses the President. These developments have triggered intense public debate, legal challenges, and reports of intimidation targeting activists and political figures.
On Saturday, the MDC confirmed that Mwonzora received a death threat via text message. Written in Shona, the message warned: “Siyana zvako nekuda kusangana naMuchena ndoopauchafira iwe” (Don’t meet Rtd General Muchena, that is where you will die).
Mwonzora told NewsDay that while he had not initially planned to meet Muchena, the threat has pushed him to consider doing so.
“What they cannot do is threaten Zimbabweans and Muchena is a Zimbabwean. I meet every person if the need arises,” he said.
Muchena is leading a group of retired generals and former civil servants urging President Emmerson Mnangagwa to abandon plans to extend his tenure.
While critics argue these far-reaching changes require a national referendum, Zanu PF and Parliament maintain such a vote is unnecessary. Muchena’s group has formally petitioned Parliament to halt the process. During a meeting on May 18 and 19, Mnangagwa reportedly dismissed their concerns, stating, “whoever wins, wins”.
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The atmosphere of intimidation appears to be widening. Last week, two activists reported receiving death threats linked to their opposition to the Bill.
Human rights activist Youngerson Matete, who challenged the parliamentary proceedings in the High Court, reported that a bullet was delivered to his doorstep alongside a message demanding he withdraws his application. Despite the chilling delivery, Matete remains committed to his cause.
Similarly, Joelson Mugari, an organiser for the National Democratic Working Group, reportedly received a death threat from an anonymous caller after notifying police of a planned peaceful demonstration.
Mwonzora has called on Zanu PF to end the intimidation and allow citizens to express their views through a referendum.
Political analyst Rejoice Ngwenya condemned the threats as “unacceptable”, suggesting they stem from individuals desperate to protect “ill-gotten wealth”.
Ngwenya urged Mnangagwa to hold those responsible to account, warning that such actions are “tarnishing the image of his regime”.
