Zimbabwe Police Threaten Protesters as MP Death Threats Halt Bill

The Zimbabwe Republic Police announced a crackdown on protests and social media incitement regarding Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3). Police spokesperson Paul Nyathi warned that any individuals or groups attempting to incite revolt, destroy property, or cause chaos would face the full wrath of the law.

The bill, which seeks to extend the presidential term from five to seven years and shift the presidential vote from the public to parliament, would extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's tenure to 2030. While the ruling ZANU PF party argues the changes are necessary for governance, opposition parties and civil society groups are demanding a national referendum, claiming the bill threatens democracy.

Legislative progress on the bill stalled on Wednesday when members of the National Assembly cut short their debate due to security fears. ZANU PF Chief Whip Pupurai Togarepi confirmed that lawmakers received death threats via social media screenshots. Despite efforts by Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi to expedite the process through extended sittings, Speaker Jacob Mudenda adjourned proceedings early after lawmakers expressed discomfort working late under the threat of violence.