Bulawayo – Chaos reigned supreme at most centres after known activists who are against the Zimbabwe constitutional amendment bill number three were denied to air their views.
Most opposition activists are against the bill that seek to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa term by two years.
Bulawayo Mayor, David Coltart and Judith Todd were denied to speak by officials at the amendment hearing despite raising their hands and seating in the front row of the gathering.
Another activist, Ostalos Siziba said he was denied to speak as some bussed activists from ruling ZANU PF party were allowed to air views repeating rehearsed slogans.
”I was denied the opportunity to speak and contribute at the Constitutional Bill hearing in Nketa by the openly biased chairperson. People bused in from Matobo and Umguza were selectively given the opportunity to speak, yet many of them appeared unsure of what to say and simply repeated rehearsed slogans. We pushed back and expressed our total rejection of the bill!,” Siziba said.
Namatai Kwekweza, another activist complained about intimidation, which she said is concerning.
”The number of people who have been intimidated, followed or fearing abduction because of the public hearings is concerning. If this is a president people want, why are they intimidating people?,” Kwekweza said.
Another person, Sheila Mujakachi a member of the Constitution Defenders Forum was attacked for giving her views rejecting the proposed amendments.
”She was targeted, harassed, and physically assaulted, dragged through the venue, and subjected to intimidation for simply exercising her right to be heard,” the CDF said.
”We strongly condemn this violence and intimidation directed at dissenting voices of reason. No citizen should be attacked for standing up for the Constitution. This only further exposes a process that is deeply flawed, unsafe, and lacking legitimacy.”
Chaos at Zimbabwe constitutional amendment hearings
