Biti, Madhuku application deferred to April 1

A High Court application brought by the National Constitutional Assembly (NCA), its president Lovemore Madhuku, and former Finance Minister Tendai Biti has been postponed to April 1, as tensions mount over Zimbabwe's proposed constitutional amendments.

High Court judge Pisirayi Kwenda deferred the matter after the parties agreed to proceed to a full hearing at the new date.

The urgent chamber application accuses the police of failing to protect the applicants from alleged threats and attacks linked to their opposition to the Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill.

Representing the applicants, lawyer Alec Muchadehama appeared in chambers for case management proceedings.

The applicants argue that they have a right to conduct public meetings during the ongoing 90-day consultation period announced by Parliament, which invites Zimbabweans to submit views on the proposed constitutional changes.

The Bill seeks to extend the terms of the President and Parliament by two years—from 2028 to 2030—and to change the method of electing the President from a direct vote to an electoral college composed of Members of Parliament and local authority councillors.

Critics say the changes could significantly alter Zimbabwe's constitutional framework and entrench incumbent leadership, while supporters argue they would streamline governance and reduce election costs.

Madhuku submitted that the NCA opposes the amendments and has already filed a separate Constitutional Court challenge seeking to block the Bill. He maintained that public meetings to debate the proposals form part of the consultation process and should not expose participants to intimidation or violence.

The court heard that a meeting held on March 1 at Madhuku's offices at 348 Herbert Chitepo Street in Harare was disrupted by individuals alleged to be linked to Zanu-PF, who reportedly assaulted participants and issued threats.

"After the disruption of March 1, 2026, certain individuals claiming to be Zanu-PF members continued to threaten the applicants and others who oppose the proposed amendment," Madhuku submitted.

The applicants further allege that the police have failed to act on ongoing threats, citing both the Minister of Home Affairs and the Zimbabwe Republic Police Commissioner-General as respondents in the case.

They are seeking a court order compelling law enforcement authorities to ensure they can hold meetings and consultations without interference.

The case comes amid rising political tensions surrounding the proposed constitutional reforms, with both supporters and critics intensifying their campaigns as Parliament's consultation process continues.