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Zanu PF panics, soldiers and police deployed to crush July 31 protests
Government officials on Wednesday warned against planned nationwide protests scheduled for July 31, saying security forces are on high alert to maintain law and order, while opposition groups and activists insisted the demonstrations would be peaceful.

Provincial Ministers, accompanied by senior members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the Zimbabwe Defence Forces and the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service, addressed separate press conferences urging members of the public to ignore calls for the protests and continue with their normal activities.

Among those who addressed the media were Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira, Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Owen Ncube and Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Marian Chombo.

Speaking alongside senior security officials, Chombo said authorities had noted attempts by individuals to incite unrest.

"We have taken note of attempts by detractors of peace and development to mislead and incite members of the public into acts of violence, destruction of property and also disruption of businesses, schools and farming activity," she said.

"We cannot allow a few individuals with selfish agendas to reverse the gains we have made in dam construction, road rehabilitation, rural electrification and investment attraction."

In Midlands Province, Ncube also urged Zimbabweans to disregard calls for the demonstrations.

"The public is advised to ignore these sponsored and illegal machinations. Security forces are on high alert to ensure peace and tranquillity prevail and to allow normal business operations," he said.

The planned demonstrations have been organised by activists on social media who oppose recent constitutional amendments, including provisions extending President Emmerson Mnangagwa's tenure from 2028 to 2030 and replacing direct presidential elections with election by a joint sitting of Parliament.

The Zimbabwe African People's Union (ZAPU) said it had formally notified the police of its intention to hold a peaceful gathering on July 31 to express opposition to the constitutional changes.

In its notice, the party said it believes the constitutional amendments should have been subjected to a referendum under Section 328 of the Constitution and argued that they undermine constitutional rights, including political rights.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police also issued a statement on Wednesday assuring citizens of their safety ahead of the planned demonstrations.

National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said police had deployed officers throughout the country to maintain peace and order.

"The Police has made deployments in all parts of the country for effective maintenance of law and order. In that regard, Zimbabweans must feel free to engage in normal day-to-day activities without hindrance," Nyathi said.

He encouraged members of the public to report any incidents involving threats, harassment or intimidation to the police.

National Constitutional Assembly leader Professor Lovemore Madhuku also expressed support for the planned demonstrations, saying they represented peaceful opposition to the constitutional amendments.

"From what I have witnessed in recent days, Zimbabweans, by an overwhelming majority, are determined to defeat the 2030/CAB3 agenda," Madhuku wrote on X.

"July 31, 2026, is the first of many days ahead, when the people will say, peacefully: No to 2030/CAB3. We will win."

Editor's note: There appears to be an inconsistency in the source material regarding the formal citation of the legislation. Before publication, it should be verified whether the correct title is the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Act, 2026 or whether it has been assigned a separate Act number in the 2026 statutes.