Coltart assaulted, phone stolen in Harare

Public hearings on the Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill turned chaotic on Tuesday at the City Sports Centre in Harare, amid reports of violence, intimidation and disruptions targeting opposition figures and journalists.

Human rights lawyer Doug Coltart was reportedly attacked while leaving the venue by a group of suspected ZANU PF supporters, who allegedly stole his mobile phone during the incident.

Opposition figures including Tendai Biti, Fadzai Mahere and Morgen Komichi were booed and heckled as tensions escalated, with proceedings descending into disorder.

Journalists covering the hearings were also affected, with some reportedly blocked from filming or taking photographs, while others faced intimidation inside the venue.

The hearings, organised by the Parliament of Zimbabwe, are part of nationwide consultations on the Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill, which proposes a range of changes, including extending the presidential term to seven years.

The incident underscores growing concerns from opposition groups and civil society over the conduct, inclusiveness and credibility of the consultation process.