Zimbabwe MPs Cite Security Threats, Cut Short Debate on Constitutional Amendment Bill

Debate on Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 was cut short on Wednesday after legislators raised security concerns and indicated they were uncomfortable working late into the night amid reports of threats targeting some Members of Parliament. Speaker of National Assembly Jacob Mudenda informed the House that security measures had been put in place following reports that some MPs had received death threats.

He subsequently suspended all other parliamentary business to allow lawmakers to focus exclusively on debate over the Bill. ZANU PF Chief Whip Pupurai Togarepi said concerns remained after screenshots circulating on social media allegedly showed threats on his life. Speaking to journalists at the New Parliament Building, Togarepi confirmed receiving threats.

"I am simply doing my job. This is my mandate as an office bearer and I cannot say no," he said. The debate was expected to continue into the night after Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi pushed for extended sittings to expedite consideration of the Bill.

However, Dzivaresekwa MP Edwin Mushoriwa also raised security concerns, with Parliament eventually opting to suspend proceedings rather than continue late into the evening. Political analyst Phillan Zamchiya wrote on X that serious security concerns had emerged and that many MPs were now uncomfortable being out at night.

He alleged that both Ziyambi and Mudenda agreed to adjourn proceedings earlier than planned because of the security concerns.

"Further, the public face remains confident; behind the scenes, the mood appears rather different. There is clearly a heightened sense of fear and caution surrounding the process across the divide. Bold in daylight, uneasy after dark," Zamchiya wrote.

3 has generated intense debate within and outside Parliament, with supporters arguing it will improve governance structures while critics contend it could weaken constitutional safeguards.