ZHRO Strongly Condemns ZANU-PF Violence and Sabotage of Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 Public Consultations
31 March 2026 –London/Harare
The Zimbabwe Human Rights Organisation (ZHRO) unequivocally condemns the scenes of violence, intimidation, and blatant exclusion that have turned Parliament’s so-called “public consultations” on the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill 2026 into a shameful #ZanuPfCharade.
Today’s hearings — particularly at Harare’s City Sports Centre and other venues — descended into chaos as ZANU-PF-aligned thugs assaulted citizens, stole property, and physically prevented opposition voices from being heard. The vicious attack on human rights lawyer Doug Coltart, the targeting of Constitution Defenders Forum members, and the systematic denial of the microphone to critics are not isolated incidents. They are the predictable outcome of a process designed from the outset to manufacture consent rather than seek it.
This is not public consultation. This is state-sponsored theatre, backed by violence, in a desperate bid to amend the Constitution for the personal benefit of those in power — most notably to extend President Mnangagwa’s rule under the guise of “Vision 2030”. ZHRO has repeatedly warned that genuine constitutional change requires freedom of assembly, protection of dissent, equal access to platforms, a diaspora vote, and an independent process. None of these exist in ZANU-PF’s Zimbabwe in 2026.
Instead, we see the same old tactics of intimidation that have defined 46 years of misrule.
ZHRO reiterates its call:
Reject this fraudulent process. Adopt a Constitution for the People, Not the Party. Our Model Constitution — already submitted as a formal contribution — offers a genuine democratic alternative that protects rights, limits power, and puts citizens first. [See the Proposed New Constitution HERE for Discussion, Download and Reflection.]
We demand:
- An immediate independent investigation into today’s violence and accountability for those responsible.
- A full, free, and fair national referendum on any constitutional amendments.
- An end to the criminalisation of peaceful dissent.
ZHRO stands in solidarity with every Zimbabwean denied a voice today. The struggle for a free, just, and democratic Zimbabwe continues.
Issued by:
Zimbabwe Human Rights Organisation (ZHRO)
www.zhro.org.uk | @ZHRO_Zimbabwe