Armed police raid Constitution Defenders Forum offices

Armed police raided the offices of the Constitution Defenders Forum (CDF) in Harare late on Tuesday night, seizing documents and campaign materials in an operation that the organisation described as an attempt to intimidate activists opposed to the controversial Constitution Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB 3).

The raid came hours after police arrested the organisation's Harare director of programmes, Paul Gorekore, following a separate operation at his home in Mbare.

CDF, a coalition formed to oppose proposed constitutional amendments that critics say could extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's stay in office, said armed officers arrived at its offices shortly after 11pm.

According to the organisation, police officers travelling in two pick-up trucks entered the building that houses both the CDF offices and Biti Law Chambers, the legal practice owned by opposition politician and lawyer Tendai Biti.

A security guard reportedly fled after being confronted by the officers.

The police then proceeded to the CDF offices located on an upper floor of the building and began searching the premises.

The organisation said several items, including T-shirts and flyers linked to its anti-CAB 3 campaign, were seized during the operation. It said a full inventory of confiscated materials would be compiled.

Prior to the office raid, CDF had issued a statement condemning Gorekore's arrest and the search of his residence.

"We strongly condemn the arrest and detention of our Harare federation director of programmes following an unlawful entry and search at his house by the ZRP," the organisation said.

"We view this as an attempt to intimidate citizens and activists exercising their constitutional rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful civic participation."

CDF called on the Zimbabwe Republic Police to respect due process and release Gorekore without charge.

"Advocating against Constitutional Amendment Bill (No. 3) is not a crime. We remain vigilant and resolute in defending constitutionalism and the rights of all citizens," the organisation said.

The developments come amid escalating tensions over CAB 3, which was passed by the National Assembly on June 18 after securing 216 votes, comfortably exceeding the two-thirds majority required for constitutional amendments.

The Bill is currently before the Senate, where it is widely expected to pass given Zanu-PF's influence through elected senators, traditional leaders and allied representatives.

Among its most controversial provisions are proposals to extend presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years and other constitutional changes that opponents argue could alter Zimbabwe's democratic framework.

Critics contend that the amendments are part of a broader effort to keep Mnangagwa in office beyond the end of his second constitutional term in 2028.

Supporters of the Bill reject that interpretation, arguing that the amendments are intended to promote political stability, strengthen governance and create a longer planning horizon for national development programmes.

Public opposition to CAB 3 has been unusually vocal, drawing criticism from civil society organisations, constitutional lawyers, opposition parties and sections of the liberation war veterans movement.

Some former allies of Mnangagwa have accused the President of attempting to consolidate power, allegations that government officials and supporters have consistently denied.

The police had not immediately issued a public statement explaining the reasons for the raid or Gorekore's arrest.

The incident is likely to intensify debate over civic freedoms and political rights as the Senate continues deliberations on one of the most contentious constitutional amendments since the adoption of Zimbabwe's 2013 Constitution.