Tension ahead of July 31 protests

Several opposition and civic organisations say some of their members have gone into hiding after allegedly receiving death threats linked to a planned nationwide shutdown on July 31.

The planned protest, which has been promoted through flyers circulating on social media and other platforms, calls for demonstrations against corruption, alleged misgovernance and Constitutional Amendment Act No. 3, which was recently signed into law by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

The constitutional amendments, which introduce changes to Zimbabwe's governance framework, are currently the subject of several legal challenges before the courts.

The Constitution Defenders Forum (CDF) said a number of its members had received threatening messages from unidentified individuals despite the organisation distancing itself from organising the planned demonstrations.

CDF spokesperson Jacob Rukweza said some members had received text messages warning them to stop campaigning against the constitutional amendments.

"Some have received death threat messages from unknown people who are sending text messages ordering our members to stop campaigning against CAB3," Rukweza said.

He identified those allegedly targeted as CDF deputy director of programmes Trevor Saruwaka, secretary for mobilisation Gilbert Mbwende and Harare Federation chairperson Whatmore Mushonga.

Rukweza also claimed that some members in Mashonaland Central and Mashonaland West had gone into hiding after receiving threats from individuals they suspected to be state security agents.

"We must make it clear that CDF is not involved in organising the mass action being called for July 31," he said.

"But as CDF, we acknowledge and respect the right of every citizen to exercise their rights as provided under Section 59 of the Constitution, including the right to protest or petition in terms of the law."

He argued that those opposed to the constitutional amendments should be allowed to express their views peacefully.

The Defend the Constitution Platform (DCP), led by former Citizens Coalition for Change interim leader Jameson Timba, also said some of its members had received threatening messages.

"As the Defend the Constitution Platform, we have consistently expressed our concern over the shrinking democratic space in Zimbabwe. Constitutional disagreement should never be criminalised," Timba said.

"If, as the government has repeatedly maintained, there is overwhelming public support for Constitutional Amendment Act No. 3, then there should be no need to respond to criticism through arrests or intimidation. In any constitutional democracy, ideas are answered with ideas, not with coercion."

He called on authorities to uphold constitutional rights, including freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

MDC spokesperson Lloyd Damba similarly alleged that members of his party had received threatening messages, citing the case of the party's Mbare chairperson.

"This is the same message that was sent to our party president, Senator Douglas Mwonzora, last month," Damba said.

The reports come days after National Democratic Working Group (NDWG) Matabeleland South chairperson Bhekhimpilo Mbedzi appeared in court after his arrest on charges linked to a video allegedly calling for participation in the planned July 31 demonstrations. Mbedzi was denied bail and remains in custody.

Last week, police also barricaded National Constitutional Assembly offices following the organisation's criticism of the constitutional amendments, while separately barring the Mzilikazi Royal Kingdom from holding a planned solidarity vigil in Bulawayo, citing provisions of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act.

The allegations of threats and intimidation have not been independently verified, and authorities have not publicly responded to the specific claims made by the opposition groups.