Bulawayo police have been questioning retired soldiers who recently launched a political party in the city, demanding to know why they established an opposition movement instead of joining Zanu PF.
Early this month, former serving members of the country’s security services launched their political party, Guardians of Zimbabwe (GoZ), with its leadership stating the movement was born out of an oath of service to the nation.
Its leaders said members of the GoZ had witnessed the effects of corruption, poor governance, and the erosion of discipline while serving in the country's security institutions.
They formed the party amid mounting opposition from retired generals to proposed constitutional amendments intended to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s tenure.
Mnangagwa has since signed the amendments into law.
However, the Zimbabwe Republic Police's CID Law and Order Section in Bulawayo has been tracking GoZ leaders since the party's launch. According to the party, police officers first visited GoZ leader Moses Kumbweya’s residence on July 9 while he was away, leaving a message before later contacting him by telephone.
The following day, officers returned and questioned him for approximately one and a half hours on matters relating to the formation of the party, his personal background, and his family.
On July 20, Kumbweya was summoned by detective assistant inspector Madzivire of the CID Law and Order Section at Bulawayo Central Police Station.
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He later reported to the CID offices accompanied by his lawyer, Bruce Masamvu of the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), where he underwent further questioning.
According to GoZ, the latest interrogation focused on the formation and objectives of the party, its position on Constitution Amendment Act No. 3 (CAA3), and whether it would consider joining the ruling Zanu PF.
The party said no criminal charges were laid following the interrogation. GoZ internal and external public relations officer Sirdar Mharira said Kumbweya responded to a police summons as part of a series of interrogations with law enforcement that began earlier this month.
“He was asked questions relating to the formation and objectives of our political party as well as information pertaining to the president's immediate family,” Mharira said.
“We trust that all interactions between citizens and law enforcement will continue to be conducted in accordance with the constitution of Zimbabwe and the rule of law.”
Mharira said the formation of their party was a lawful exercise of the constitutional rights of Zimbabwean citizens.
"Guardians of Zimbabwe was established by patriotic Zimbabweans, including retired members of the security services who believe in constitutionalism, peaceful democratic participation, national unity, accountability, and the restoration of public confidence in governance,” he said.
He dismissed suggestions that the movement was aligned to any existing political party.
"We remain committed to peaceful engagement, respect for all institutions of the state, and constructive dialogue.
“We encourage every Zimbabwean to participate peacefully in shaping the country's future through democratic means," Mharira added.
The launch of GoZ is widely seen as a direct response to the deepening succession crisis within Zanu PF, where factions aligned to Mnangagwa and Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga are locked in a bitter struggle, with retired soldiers increasingly voicing their support for the president’s deputy.
