As Zimbabwe moves closer to the 2030 presidential election, the government has ramped up its surveillance and intimidation tactics against activists, opposition leaders, and journalists.
This escalation is widely viewed as an attempt to suppress dissent and tighten the ruling party’s grip on power amid growing controversy over a proposed constitutional amendment that could extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s tenure beyond the current two-term limit.
State security agencies and ruling party-aligned social media activists have intensified efforts to discredit and threaten opposition figures, human rights defenders, and journalists. Prominent opposition leaders such as former Zengeza MP Job Sikhala, Gift Ostallos Siziba, and Peter Mutasa, the former president of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU), have become primary targets. All three have been vocal in their opposition to constitutional changes that would permit Mnangagwa to seek a third term in office.
Reports from within civil society suggest that activists and journalists are increasingly being followed by suspected state security operatives. Many have reported intimidation tactics, including surveillance of their movements, anonymous threats, and online smear campaigns. Political analysts argue that these tactics are designed to create fear and silence critics before any organized resistance can gain momentum.
The involvement of war veterans’ leadership in these discussions signals an effort to legitimize the crackdown. War veterans have historically played a critical role in Zimbabwean politics, often acting as enforcers of the ruling party’s agenda through both rhetoric and direct action against perceived opponents of the state.
The recent arrest and prolonged detention of journalist Blessed Mhlanga, who has now spent over nine days in custody, has intensified concerns about press freedom in Zimbabwe. Mhlanga’s detention is widely seen as a warning to other journalists, reinforcing the risks associated with reporting on corruption, human rights abuses, and political repression.
According to local press freedom organizations, at least a dozen journalists and bloggers have faced harassment or legal threats in recent months. Many fear that the state is expanding its use of cyber laws to justify the persecution of independent media voices under the guise of combating misinformation and national security threats.
Information Minister Jefferson Muswere has dismissed allegations of political persecution, stating that the government is merely safeguarding national security and public order. Muswere has warned against what he calls “attempts to destabilize the country” and accused activists of colluding with foreign entities to incite unrest.
However, human rights groups argue that these accusations are baseless and meant to justify increasing repression. They highlight that the state has been expanding its surveillance infrastructure, particularly digital monitoring, to track activists and opposition figures in real-time.
Leaked reports from within government circles suggest that Zimbabwean authorities have acquired advanced surveillance technologies from foreign suppliers, including tools capable of intercepting private communications and tracking mobile phones. Experts warn that such tools could be used to suppress opposition activities more effectively.
The proposed constitutional amendment, which would allow Mnangagwa to extend his presidency beyond the current term limit, has already sparked widespread debate. Critics view this as a clear attempt to subvert democratic processes and entrench authoritarian rule. The opposition, led by the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) and other democratic movements, has vowed to challenge the move through legal and political means.
The surge in state surveillance and repression has also drawn international attention. The United Nations, African Union (AU), and Southern African Development Community (SADC) have all been urged to intervene and pressure the Zimbabwean government to uphold democratic norms. However, regional silence has so far emboldened the ruling ZANU-PF party to continue its crackdown unchecked.
As Zimbabwe heads towards the next election cycle, tensions are reaching a boiling point. With growing discontent over economic instability, corruption, and political repression, the likelihood of mass protests remains high. Security forces have already been placed on high alert, with reports suggesting increased military presence in key urban areas to preempt potential demonstrations.
The situation presents a critical test for Zimbabwe’s democracy. With opposition leaders facing increasing threats, journalists being jailed, and activists being surveilled, the coming years will determine whether the country moves towards greater authoritarianism or whether civil society can push back against these repressive measures.
As international scrutiny mounts, the question remains: Will Zimbabwe’s leadership heed calls for reform, or will it tighten its grip further as 2030 approaches?