Welcome to our coverage of Day 3 of the Constitutional Amendment Bill (CAB3),with hearings in several parts of the country.
There has been big developments already, with opposition leaders Tendai Biti of the Constitutional Defenders Forum, Jameson Timba of the Defend the Constitution Platform and Lovemore Madhuku of the National Constitutional Assembly announcing their pull out from the hearings at a press conference this morning.
You can read our story here https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200053409/opposition-to-boycott-cab3-hearings-after-violence-intimidation
You can also watch parts of the press conference here…https://x.com/NewsDay_Zim/status/2039275303164321989
If you are just catching up, you can read our stories about what transpired on Day 2 of the hearings here….https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200053381/live-blog-public-consultations-on-the-constitutional-amendment-bill-no-3-rowdy-youths-take-over-city-sports-centre-and-assault-opposition-figures
14:20: A Chipinge villager Perputua Sithole was booed for giving her remarks in English before being rescued by Nyanga South MP Supa Mandiwanzira who is leading the Parliamentary team. #CAB3
#Watch: https://x.com/NewsDay_Zim/status/2039285704002269635
14:23: Ward 22 Musikavanhu constituency councilor, Evelyn Mhuru says President Emmerson Mnangagwa should rule for five years only. She also disputed Mnangagwa appointing judges.
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At Somabula near Gweru, our reporter Stephen Chadenga reports that chaos erupted when ruling Zanu PF party activists clashed with opposition members at the venue.
Zanu PF activists posted a brief video clip on social media showing opposition activist and former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) Mkoba legislator Amos Chibaya, captioned: “We say no to violence @ChibayaaCitizen arikuda kurova vanhu (Chibaya wants to beat people).”
Chibaya accused Zanu PF activists of attempting to block opposition members from entering the venue of the Constitutional Amendment Bill meeting.
“First to arrive at the venue were women from Mkoba, and they were blocked from entering the hall,” Chibaya said.
“When we arrived, they (Zanu PF activists) also tried to block us, but we forced our way in because we had the right to attend and contribute to the public hearing.
“When I was finally given a chance to present my views, a Zanu PF youth grabbed the microphone from me, causing brief chaos.”
Chibaya said he was later allowed to continue.
“We managed to give our views when the microphone was returned to me,” he said.
“Throughout the proceedings, Zanu PF activists chanted slogans such as ‘Baba (President Emmerson Mnangagwa) gave us mines.’ We wondered whether the bill was about Mnangagwa or about the office.”
15:15: Hurungwe villager Joyline Moyo said the proposed 7-year term is too short and promised that it is going to be increased in due course again.
Watch https://x.com/NewsDay_Zim/status/2039332052705722872Speaking at Ringo hall in Kazangarare, Hurungwe villager Marvelous Zimbeva said presidential terms should be 10 years..
Watch https://x.com/NewsDay_Zim/status/2039332539593007191Police officers with dogs monitoring the situation at Kazangarare centre during #CAB3 consultation meeting..
More sights from Kazangarare centre where members of the public have gathered for #CAB3 consultations.
Our final read for the day
CAB3 drama: Uniform calls for 10-year term raise questions
CHINHOYI, Apr. 1 (NewsDay Live) — Consultations on Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3) have taken an unexpected turn, with some villagers in Kazangarare now pushing for presidential terms of up to 10 years—beyond the proposed seven-year limit.
At the latest meeting, all speakers called for a 10-year term, a notable shift from earlier consultations that largely supported a seven-year extension.
Hurungwe villager Joyline Moyo dismissed the proposed term as insufficient, advocating for a longer tenure and suggesting further increases in future.
“Seven years is too short. I propose 10 years,” she said.
“I also believe the term will be extended again when the time comes.”
Another villager, Marvelous Zimbeva, echoed the sentiment, praising President Emmerson Mnangagwa while backing a longer term.
“Seven years is too short. He should be given 10 more years in power,” said Zimbeva.
The Kazangarare and Patchway meetings—like others held nationwide—were reportedly tightly controlled, with gatekeepers vetting participants before allowing them to speak.
In Kazangarare, the process allegedly went further, with some individuals removed from speaking queues if suspected of opposing the bill.
Sources also claim financial incentives may have influenced participation. Individuals who spoke in support of the bill were allegedly promised US$20, while attendees who did not speak reportedly received US$2, along with food and transport.
At Patchway, a NewsDay crew observed attendees receiving meals and soft drinks from Chicken Inn at Kwaedza School after the meeting.
