Mnangagwa Ally Warns Zanu-PF Opponents of Purge After Bill Finalized

Zimbabwean Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira has issued a stern warning to ruling party members who oppose the Constitutional Amendment Bill Number 3 (CAB3). Chadzamira, a close ally of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, stated that opponents will "regret it" once the amendment process is finalized.

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Allow this CAB3 process to be finalised, as Matuke stated, and there will be regret.

Speaking at a Zanu PF provincial inter-district meeting, Chadzamira, alongside Minister of State for Security Lovemore Matuke, revealed they are closely monitoring the political activities of all Members of Parliament and councillors. He specifically mentioned covert gatherings aimed at sabotaging the Bill, likening dissenting members to "bats" who outwardly support the party but secretly work against it.

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Some of you are like bats. You stand with us in daylight but at night you whisper in code. You hold endless meetings in homes and hotels. Nothing escapes me. I lead the Provincial Joint Operations Command while Matuke heads the National Operations Command. Our job is to get briefings on everything each of you is doing.

The proposed CAB3 seeks to allow President Mnangagwa to remain in power for two additional years beyond 2028, bypassing an election, and would grant MPs a similar extension. This proposal has faced significant criticism, with legal experts arguing that extending the terms of Mnangagwa and Parliament without a referendum contravenes the Constitution. Notably, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga and senior retired army commanders have publicly voiced their opposition.

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I am cautioning you, stop going to those small secret night meetings you are being invited to. Only meetings called by provincial chairman Rabson Mavhenyengwa are recognised. Shun the rest. Don't trade your loyalty for a few drinks, because after CAB3 there will be regret.

Chadzamira defended the rationale behind CAB3, asserting that developing countries need longer leadership terms to effectively implement development projects. He contrasted this with developed economies, which he claimed can afford frequent leadership changes due to their robust institutions and economies. The bill recently passed in Parliament with a large majority and is now headed for the Senate.

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Zimbabwe is still developing, Europe is developed. Developing countries require more time to build their economies. Developed countries can swap leaders often because their institutions are solid and their economies are robust.