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Zimbabwe govt warns against Insulting Mnangagwa, citing criminal law
18 Feb 2025 at 03:32hrs | Views
The Government has warned individuals against making disparaging remarks about the Office of the President and Cabinet, stating that while freedom of expression is a constitutional right, some statements could constitute criminal offenses under Zimbabwean law.
Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe made the remarks while addressing senior police officers at the 2025 Senior Officers Conference in Harare. He commended the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) for maintaining peace and security throughout 2024 but urged officers to remain vigilant against elements seeking to destabilize the country. Kazembe expressed concern over an emerging trend of individuals publicly insulting and demonizing the Office of the President, stating that such actions violate Section 33 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, which criminalizes undermining the authority of or insulting the President.
He explained that the law prohibits making statements that could engender hostility, hatred, contempt, or ridicule against the President. Those found guilty face a fine or up to one year in prison, or both. He also cited Section 20 of the law, which criminalizes acts aimed at overthrowing the Government, with penalties ranging from life imprisonment to the death sentence.
The Minister urged law enforcement agencies to be proactive in addressing such offenses, emphasizing the need for intelligence gathering and surveillance. He reaffirmed his confidence in Commissioner General Stephen Mutamba's leadership, praising the police force for implementing the ZRP Strategic Plan Document, Horizon 2025.
Commissioner General Mutamba announced that the 2025 Senior Officers Conference marked the beginning of biannual training workshops across all police ranks. These workshops aim to improve policing strategies and enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement in carrying out its constitutional mandate.
The Government's stance signals a tougher approach to speech deemed threatening to national security, as authorities move to tighten control over public discourse in Zimbabwe.
Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe made the remarks while addressing senior police officers at the 2025 Senior Officers Conference in Harare. He commended the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) for maintaining peace and security throughout 2024 but urged officers to remain vigilant against elements seeking to destabilize the country. Kazembe expressed concern over an emerging trend of individuals publicly insulting and demonizing the Office of the President, stating that such actions violate Section 33 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, which criminalizes undermining the authority of or insulting the President.
He explained that the law prohibits making statements that could engender hostility, hatred, contempt, or ridicule against the President. Those found guilty face a fine or up to one year in prison, or both. He also cited Section 20 of the law, which criminalizes acts aimed at overthrowing the Government, with penalties ranging from life imprisonment to the death sentence.
Commissioner General Mutamba announced that the 2025 Senior Officers Conference marked the beginning of biannual training workshops across all police ranks. These workshops aim to improve policing strategies and enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement in carrying out its constitutional mandate.
The Government's stance signals a tougher approach to speech deemed threatening to national security, as authorities move to tighten control over public discourse in Zimbabwe.
Source - The Herald
