Alarm is growing over what political activists describe as an escalating crackdown on dissent against Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 after police banned public meetings to discuss the proposed changes to allow President Emmerson Mnangagwa to hang on to power.
There has been shock following a series of alleged abductions, intimidation tactics targeting politicians and civic leaders opposed as well as banning of meetings to debate the proposed changes.
Last week, unknown individuals painted “X” graffiti on the gates of several prominent critics of the Bill such as Defend the Constitution Platform convener Jameson Timba, triggering outrage.
The unknown suspects also painted graffiti at the offices of the National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) in the central business district, and the residence of Ibbo Mandaza, director of the Sapes Trust.
Last week two NCA members were allegedly abducted, assaulted and dumped in Highlands shortly after attending a meeting at the organisation’s offices in Harare.
NCA leader Lovemore Madhuku said the meeting had focused on strategies to challenge Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3.
In a separate incident, a member of the Constitution Defenders Forum was reportedly abducted and tortured over allegations of participating in gatherings opposing the Bill.
Public discussions on the proposed constitutional changes have also faced restrictions.
A planned dialogue in Harare by politicians and lawyers who include Madhuku, spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere, and MDC-T leader Douglas Mwonzora was banned last week.
In Bulawayo, another meeting that was set to include David Coltart and Jabulani Sibanda was also prohibited by authorities.
Timba said the markings on his residence's gate were discovered on the same day he was scheduled to participate in a panel discussion at Sapes Trust focusing on Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3.
“Engaging in constitutional debate is not subversion. It is a democratic right and duty.
“Zimbabwe cannot claim constitutionalism while tolerating anonymous tactics meant to silence lawful discussion,” Timba said.
“Such actions will not deter us. If anything, they strengthen our resolve to defend open debate, the rule of law, and the constitutional rights of all citizens.”
NCA spokesperson Madock Chivasa also condemned the terror tactics by the unknown individuals.
“We condemn this cowardly attack,” Chivasa said.
“No amount of fear or threats will deter us from campaigning against the 2030 agenda.
“We are clear that the constitution must not be changed.
“As NCA we remain at the forefront to challenge that together with other Zimbabweans who share our position that we do not want the constitution to be changed to extend the presidential term of office.
“There will not be enough jails if the government decides to put those who are against the 2030 agenda in jail. It is not a crime to challenge the push by others in government to have the term of office extended.”
Contacted for comment on the alleged abductions, police Spokesperson commissioner Paul Nyathi said he was yet to check with the respective police stations whether reports had been made.
Critics of the bill say the developments point to shrinking civic space at a time parliament has called on citizens to submit their views on the proposed amendments.
Submissions, however, are being received via email, a process some civic groups argue may exclude citizens without access to reliable internet services.
Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 seeks to extend the president’s term and that of Parliament by two years, which will result in postponement of the elections due in 2028 elections to 2030.
Clause 2 of the Bill repeals Section 92 of the constitution and replaces it with a parliamentary process for electing the president.
Political commentator Tendai Ruben Mbofana said the alleged attack on anti- 2030 activists raised serious questions about the credibility of the consultation process.
“The blocking of meetings to discuss the proposed constitutional amendments cannot be viewed in isolation," Mbofana said.
"It comes at the very moment Parliament has formally invited public submissions under section 328(4) of the constitution. That contradiction is glaring.
“You cannot invite citizens to express views while simultaneously preventing them from gathering to formulate those views.
“Public consultation is not a mere email address and a physical drop-box.
“It requires an environment where people are free to assemble, debate and interrogate the implications of the bill without fear."
Mandaza described the situation as fundamentally contradictory.
“In the face of the so-called 90 days of ‘public consultations’, every attempt at a public meeting is blocked and civic leaders and citizens are being harassed and intimidated by state agents specially employed for the purpose,” he said. “The constitutional coup is at play.”
Another analyst Rashweat Mukundu said the alleged intimidation reflects a lack of confidence by those pushing the amendments.
“This clearly demonstrates that those who are pushing for this 2030 constitutional amendment have no confidence in what they are doing," Mukundu said.
"They have no confidence that the people of Zimbabwe support them.
“If Zanu F and those within the party who are pushing this agenda have confidence in what they are doing, then they should allow for open debate.
“They should allow everyone who wants to talk about this to do so."
Government has insisted that there is no need for a referendum to pass the proposed amendments via Parliament where Zanu PF enjoys a two-thirds majority.