ZANU-PF thugs attack opposition

HARARE – POLITICAL intolerance and human rights violations have intensified in Harare after opposition activists were assaulted and harassed by supporters of the ruling ZANU-PF during a public hearing on the Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3.

Human rights lawyer Douglas Coltart was among those targeted at the City Sports Centre in Harare on Tuesday.

He was assaulted while attempting to leave the venue, with his phone and eyeglasses forcibly taken in full view of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), who allegedly failed to intervene.

The incident has sparked outrage among civil society actors and opposition figures, who argue it reflects a broader pattern of intimidation aimed at silencing dissent.

Several prominent opposition leaders, including Tendai Biti, Fadzai Mahere and Morgan Komichi, were forced to flee escalating tensions after being blocked from presenting their views.

Veteran journalist Hopewell Chin’ono condemned the violence, describing it as symptomatic of a dangerous erosion of democratic norms.

“The racist abuse directed at him (Coltart) is equally shameful, exposing a dangerous erosion of tolerance, respect for the rule of law, and basic democratic values,” Chin’ono said.

He further criticised the conduct surrounding the hearings.

“Whatever happens with Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, it is already tainted by these actions of ZANU-PF hooligans, thugs, and despicable individuals,” he said.

“You cannot take parliamentary hearings to the people and then assault them for airing their views. That is not consultation, it is intimidation, and it completely undermines the legitimacy of the entire process.”

Chin’ono added: “Beating up a fellow Zimbabwean who is a lawyer, stealing his phone, and preventing him from speaking is the very worst conduct in any parliamentary hearing process. Those behind these actions should be deeply ashamed because they are not only undermining the process, they are embarrassing the country and eroding respect for the rule of law.”

Other observers echoed similar concerns, accusing ruling party supporters of orchestrating disruptions.

Xoli Nyathi alleged, “Typical of ZANU-PF, they bus these people from all over Zimbabwe to fill venues, make noise and prevent any opposing voices from speaking. Only ZANU-PF thugs speak, and those are the ones the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) will broadcast.”

Tony Magwaza was equally critical, stating, “Mnangagwa has no shame… now he wants to butcher the constitution for him to be a life president.”

Concerns over selective law enforcement were also raised. “They will never arrest this thief because it’s one of their thugs,” said Moffat Mushonga, while Cosmas Kahari questioned, “Where is ZRP that always arrests opposition?”

Critics argue that the violence, intimidation and exclusion witnessed at the hearings undermine the credibility of the constitutional reform process. Observers warn that suppressing dissent not only violates fundamental rights but also deepens political polarisation in a country already facing significant governance challenges.

– CAJ News