Chinamasa under fire over 'colonial sins' remarks after Coltart assault

Patrick Chinamasa has ignited controversy after suggesting that human rights lawyer Douglas Coltart was made to "atone" for the alleged colonial legacy of his father following a violent incident in Harare.

The remarks come after Coltart was reportedly assaulted by suspected ZANU-PF supporters during a public hearing for Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 at the City Sports Centre on 31 March 2026. The attackers, said to include a member of the party's Central Committee, allegedly stole his phone and eyeglasses and physically assaulted him as he attempted to leave the venue.

Posting on X, Chinamasa appeared to justify the hostility, claiming Coltart was being unfairly held accountable for the political history of his father, David Coltart. He controversially referred to "Rhodesian Front genes" and suggested the younger Coltart should have aligned himself politically with ZANU-PF.

The incident occurred amid chaotic scenes at the hearing, where members of the public opposed to the proposed constitutional amendments were reportedly prevented from speaking. Tensions escalated as Coltart exited the venue, leading to the confrontation and assault.

During the attack, the group reportedly questioned Coltart's nationality, despite him being Zimbabwean by birth.

The comments by Chinamasa have drawn criticism, with observers warning that such rhetoric risks justifying political violence and undermining democratic processes.