Zimbabwe News Update
newzimbabwe
3 min read
By Staff ReporterA planned address by opposition and civic society leaders at the Southern Africa Political Economy Series (SAPES) Trust was abruptly disrupted on Tuesday after Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) anti-riot officers stormed the venue.Opposition figures Tendai Biti, Job Sikhala, and Jacob Ngarivhume were scheduled to speak on an alleged plot by ZANU PF to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term beyond 2028.In the early hours of Tuesday, the SAPES Trust premises were reportedly petrol-bombed and a guard on duty was abducted, in what is believed to be a coordinated attempt to stop the discussion.SAPES Trust Director Ibbo Mandaza said there appeared to be a clear link between the arson attack and the subsequent police disruption.“It is not surprising at all.
There is a correlation between what happened after midnight, the arson, the abduction of the security guard.“It was done by people who know the job of fear.
They seem to have forgotten that we have endured such harassment for the past two years,” said Mandaza.The ruling party has endorsed a resolution seeking to extend Mnangagwa’s presidency to 2030, which would require amending Section 91(2) of the Constitution, which limits a president to two terms, and Section 328(7), which bars incumbents from benefiting from constitutional amendments.According to party insiders, ZANU PF intends to use its parliamentary majority to push through the proposed changes.Speaking at the disrupted event, Biti condemned the attacks and reaffirmed the group’s commitment to defending the Constitution.“We are very sorry to Dr.
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