Authorities have intensified a crackdown on critics of the newly enacted Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Act No. 3 of 2026 (CAA3), with four villagers from Mhondoro-Ngezi currently detained after being arrested for allegedly using TikTok to incite participation in anti-government protests.
The arrests are the latest in a series of pre-emptive actions against opposition figures, student activists, and civil society members who have spoken out against the controversial amendments, which were signed into law by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in July without a national referendum.
The constitutional amendments have drawn sharp criticism for provisions that extend the terms of Parliament and local authorities from five to seven years and transfer the election of the president from the electorate to Members of Parliament.
Critics argue the changes weaken democratic participation, expand executive powers, and could effectively extend Mnangagwa’s tenure beyond the 2028 election cycle.
The Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) has renewed calls for a national referendum, warning in a pastoral letter that CAA3 has “deepened national polarisation” rather than settled the dispute over its legitimacy.
The four detained villagers — Campson Takawira (53), Tawanda Mabhande (46), Ireen Mudyanevana (35), and Miriam Koroni (40) — were arrested on July 28 and charged with participating in a gathering with intent to promote public violence, breaches of peace, and bigotry under Section 37(1)(b) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.
Prosecutors alleged that on July 25, the four, who are members of the opposition National Progressive Democrats party, convened a flash demonstration at Takawira’s homestead in Matemavi village, Mhondoro-Ngezi, Mashonaland West province.
They reportedly sang songs in political party regalia and recorded videos shared on TikTok with the caption: Mhondoro-Ngezi is ready to remove the Zanu PF system. #31 July we are unstoppable.
The lyrics reportedly included: Nhoroondo ichava Nhoroondo kana tatenderwa nababa kubvisa Mnangagwa ichava Nhoroondo NPD wayaaaaaa.
On August 4, Kadoma resident magistrate Charity Tonongera dismissed their bail application, ruling that the four have a propensity to commit other offences if released.
They are represented by Makanaka James of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights and return to court on August18.
The arrests followed a broader pattern of state action against opponents of CAA3.
In mid-July, Beitbridge-based activist Bhekimpilo Mbedzi, Matabeleland South chairperson of the Job Sikhala-led National Democratic Working Group (NDWG), was arrested and charged with inciting public violence after posting a video urging Zimbabweans to reject the amendments.
He has since been granted bail after his arrest attracted international attention.
Human rights groups have documented several cases of citizens arrested primarily for their opposition to CAA3.
Despite calls for a nationwide shutdown on July 31, the demonstrations largely failed to gain traction, with authorities maintaining a heavy security presence and warning against participation in unsanctioned protests.
Human rights groups have condemned the crackdown, calling for the immediate release of all activists detained for peacefully exercising their constitutional rights.