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Biti , Madhuku file urgent court bid after attacks
2 hrs ago |
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The National Constitutional Assembly (NCA), its president Lovemore Madhuku, and former finance minister Tendai Biti have filed an urgent High Court application accusing the police of failing to protect them from threats and alleged attacks linked to their opposition to the proposed Constitutional Amendment No.3 Bill.
In court papers, the applicants said they intend to hold meetings to discuss the constitutional changes during the public consultation period announced by Parliament. Citizens have been given 90 days from February 16 to submit input on the bill, which proposes extending the current term of the president and Parliament by two years—from 2028 to 2030—and changing the method of electing the president from a direct national vote to an electoral college comprising Members of Parliament and local authority councillors.
Critics argue that the proposed changes could entrench the incumbent leadership, while supporters claim the amendments would streamline governance and reduce election costs.
Madhuku stated in his affidavit that the NCA opposes the amendments and has already filed a separate challenge before the Constitutional Court to block the bill.
"Applicants intend to meet and discuss the Constitution of Zimbabwe (Amendment) No.3 Bill of 2026," he said, noting that the Speaker of Parliament had called on citizens to make submissions. "Applicants and others need to meet and take a firm position on the proposed bill."
The application alleges that a meeting held on March 1 at Madhuku's offices on Herbert Chitepo Street in Harare was disrupted by people described as "goons claiming to be members of Zanu-PF," who allegedly assaulted participants and issued death threats.
"The police did nothing," Madhuku said in his affidavit, adding that ongoing threats prevent lawful meetings and public consultation.
The applicants have cited the Minister of Home Affairs and the Commissioner-General of Police as respondents, asking the High Court to order authorities to ensure they can hold meetings and consultations on the proposed amendments without interference.
The case highlights rising tensions as Zimbabwe navigates debates over constitutional reform and public participation in the legislative process.
In court papers, the applicants said they intend to hold meetings to discuss the constitutional changes during the public consultation period announced by Parliament. Citizens have been given 90 days from February 16 to submit input on the bill, which proposes extending the current term of the president and Parliament by two years—from 2028 to 2030—and changing the method of electing the president from a direct national vote to an electoral college comprising Members of Parliament and local authority councillors.
Critics argue that the proposed changes could entrench the incumbent leadership, while supporters claim the amendments would streamline governance and reduce election costs.
Madhuku stated in his affidavit that the NCA opposes the amendments and has already filed a separate challenge before the Constitutional Court to block the bill.
The application alleges that a meeting held on March 1 at Madhuku's offices on Herbert Chitepo Street in Harare was disrupted by people described as "goons claiming to be members of Zanu-PF," who allegedly assaulted participants and issued death threats.
"The police did nothing," Madhuku said in his affidavit, adding that ongoing threats prevent lawful meetings and public consultation.
The applicants have cited the Minister of Home Affairs and the Commissioner-General of Police as respondents, asking the High Court to order authorities to ensure they can hold meetings and consultations on the proposed amendments without interference.
The case highlights rising tensions as Zimbabwe navigates debates over constitutional reform and public participation in the legislative process.
Source - Zimlive
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