Zimbabwe police quiz ex-soldiers over new party

Bulawayo police have reportedly been questioning retired soldiers who recently launched a new political party, seeking explanations for why they chose to form an opposition movement instead of joining the ruling Zanu PF.

Earlier this month, former members of Zimbabwe's security services launched the Guardians of Zimbabwe (GoZ), saying the movement was established out of a continued commitment to serving the nation.

The party's leaders said their experiences within the country's security institutions exposed them to the effects of corruption, poor governance and declining discipline, prompting them to enter active politics.

GoZ was formed against the backdrop of growing opposition by some retired military officers to Constitutional Amendment Act No. 3 (CAA3), which President Emmerson Mnangagwa has since signed into law.

According to the party, officers from the Zimbabwe Republic Police's Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Law and Order Section in Bulawayo have been monitoring its leadership since its launch.

GoZ said detectives first visited party leader Moses Kumbweya's residence on July 9 while he was away, leaving a message requesting that he contact them before later reaching him by telephone.

The following day, police officers reportedly returned to his home and questioned him for about 90 minutes regarding the formation of the party, his personal background and his family.

On July 20, Kumbweya was summoned by Detective Assistant Inspector Madzivire of the CID Law and Order Section at Bulawayo Central Police Station.

He later attended the interview accompanied by his lawyer, Bruce Masamvu of the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), where he underwent further questioning.

According to GoZ, detectives questioned Kumbweya about the formation and objectives of the party, its position on Constitutional Amendment Act No. 3 and whether its members would consider joining Zanu PF.

The party said no criminal charges were preferred against Kumbweya following the interviews.

GoZ internal and external public relations officer Sirdar Mharira confirmed that the party leader had responded to the police summons as part of a series of engagements with law enforcement that began earlier this month.

"He was asked questions relating to the formation and objectives of our political party as well as information pertaining to the president's immediate family," Mharira said.

"We trust that all interactions between citizens and law enforcement will continue to be conducted in accordance with the Constitution of Zimbabwe and the rule of law."

Mharira said the formation of Guardians of Zimbabwe was a lawful exercise of citizens' constitutional rights.

"Guardians of Zimbabwe was established by patriotic Zimbabweans, including retired members of the security services who believe in constitutionalism, peaceful democratic participation, national unity, accountability, and the restoration of public confidence in governance," he said.

He also dismissed speculation that the movement was aligned to any existing political party.

"We remain committed to peaceful engagement, respect for all institutions of the state, and constructive dialogue.

"We encourage every Zimbabwean to participate peacefully in shaping the country's future through democratic means," Mharira said.

The launch of Guardians of Zimbabwe comes amid heightened political tensions and is widely viewed by political observers as reflecting growing divisions within Zanu PF over the country's succession politics.

The formation of the party also coincides with increasing public criticism of Constitutional Amendment Act No. 3 and renewed debate over Zimbabwe's political future, with some retired military officers openly expressing support for Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga in the ruling party's succession contest.

Police had not publicly commented on the alleged questioning of the GoZ leadership at the time of publication.