Zimbabwe Faces Constitutional Bill Opposition

Legal groups and civil society condemn proposed law extending presidential terms.

Lawyers Condemn Constitutional Amendment Bill

Lawyers' association warns new bill shrinks democratic space, entrenching authoritarianism.

Zimbabwe's recently gazetted Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 faces strong opposition from legal bodies. The Adventists Lawyers Association states the bill will shrink democratic space and entrench authoritarianism. The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions appealed to Parliament and the Human Rights Commission, citing rising abductions and torture linked to political violence after the bill's gazetting. Constitutional lawyer Lovemore Madhuku also rejected Parliament's public consultation process, calling it exclusive and biased. The bill proposes extending presidential and legislative terms, a contentious issue. The legislation, gazetted February 16, has prompted some to form Zanu PF affiliates pledging loyalty to President Mnangagwa, aiming to support extending his term beyond 2030.

Amnesty Demands Probe into Madhuku Attack

Rights group urges investigation into brutal assault on NCA leader Lovemore Madhuku and party members.

Amnesty International calls for a thorough investigation into the violent attack on National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) leader Lovemore Madhuku. Armed men stormed the NCA offices in Harare over the weekend, assaulting Madhuku and several party members. Professor Madhuku, a constitutional lawyer, sustained injuries and receives medical attention. He accuses the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) of distorting facts and claims police were involved in the coordinated attack. The ZRP denies any role, stating it assigned no personnel to monitor the NCA event. Madhuku dismissed police claims, asserting the meeting was internal and required no clearance.

Government Bans Unprocessed Mineral Exports

Zimbabwe imposes indefinite ban on raw lithium and other unprocessed ore exports immediately.

Zimbabwe's government banned the export of lithium concentrates and all other unprocessed ores, effective immediately and indefinitely. This move accelerates a policy originally planned for 2027. Authorities observed some mining companies rapidly extracting and shipping minerals before the full ban could take effect, prompting the government to curb under-declaration and illicit stockpiling. Mines and Mining Development Minister Polite Kambamura confirmed the suspension, stating it remains in force until further notice. Authorities are tightening export controls. The ban pushes for local beneficiation, a strategy aimed at transforming the mining sector to boost industrialization and create more local value.

Middle East Conflict Halts Oil Shipments

Oil prices surged four-year high as Strait of Hormuz traffic halted by escalating Middle East conflict.

Oil prices surged significantly, marking the largest jump in four years, after tanker traffic nearly halted through the Strait of Hormuz. An escalating conflict in the Middle East is responsible, creating substantial global market volatility. A major refinery in Saudi Arabia also ceased operations, further disrupting global oil supply chains. This disruption affects global markets, impacting supply and demand dynamics across various industries. The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical chokepoint for international oil shipments, making any interruption impactful for global markets. Analysts are monitoring the situation closely as the conflict continues to influence energy markets worldwide, with potential long-term economic consequences.

President Grants Amnesty to 4,000 Inmates

Zimbabwe released nearly 4,000 inmates nationwide under a presidential amnesty to ease prison overcrowding.

Zimbabwe began releasing nearly 4,000 inmates under a presidential amnesty to alleviate severe overcrowding in the nation's prisons. Authorities released over 900 inmates across Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South, and Bulawayo alone. The Cabinet announced the amnesty in February, coinciding with the approval of constitutional changes. These changes are part of a plan to potentially extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term beyond 2028. This amnesty represents a significant national policy shift, intended to create more manageable conditions within correctional facilities and address human rights concerns. The government views this as a crucial step towards prison reform.

Kariba Floating Solar Plant Secures Funding

Lake Kariba's floating solar project secured US$400 million, targeting 1,000MW generation capacity.

A floating solar project planned for Lake Kariba secured US$400 million in funding. This substantial investment will enable the venture to generate 1,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity, representing a significant step for Zimbabwe's energy sector. This initiative is a massive national investment in energy infrastructure, holding high potential to alleviate ZESA power deficits. The project aims to boost the national economy by providing a stable power source and underscores a commitment to renewable energy development. This move is seen as a strategic advancement towards energy independence and addresses critical power shortages. It aims to stabilize the national grid and support industrial growth.

Zaka Police Killer Arrested

Daniel Munyanyi arrested for fatally shooting two CID detectives in Zaka on March 1.

Police arrested Daniel Munyanyi, 50, accused of fatally shooting two CID detectives in Zaka on March 1. Members of the public apprehended Munyanyi and handed him over to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in Bikita, after he had been on the run for two days. Commissioner General Stephen Mutamba declared an uncompromising crackdown on violent criminals following the cold-blooded killing of the two senior detectives. The incident has prompted a strong response from law enforcement, with public cooperation playing a crucial role in the arrest. This commitment from the police underscores a broader effort to enhance public safety and deter violent crime across the region. Investigations into the full circumstances of the shooting are ongoing.

UAE Embassy Advises Nationals on Tensions

Zimbabwe Embassy in UAE advises nationals to limit movement due to escalating Middle East security concerns.

The Zimbabwe Embassy in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) issued an advisory to its nationals, urging them to remain calm, exercise caution, and minimize non-essential travel. This follows escalating regional security concerns in the Middle East. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also called on Zimbabweans in the Middle East to register with their nearest embassy or consulate. This measure ensures effective government support if needed. The advisory aims to safeguard the safety and well-being of citizens abroad and prepares for potential repatriation challenges. These efforts underscore the government's commitment to protecting its diaspora during periods of international instability.

Mash West Malaria Cases Exceed 2,000

Mashonaland West province reports 2,018 cumulative malaria cases as of March 2, 2026.

Mashonaland West province recorded over 2,000 malaria cases, with the latest situation report dated March 2, 2026, confirming 2,018 cumulative cases. This indicates a significant regional public health concern, prompting urgent action from health officials. The surge in cases demands immediate attention for health interventions and highlights ongoing challenges in disease control and prevention within the province. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely and implementing measures to control the spread, including enhanced surveillance and distribution of preventative resources. Authorities are also conducting public awareness campaigns to educate residents on prevention strategies and early symptom detection. This collaborative effort aims to mitigate the impact of the outbreak and protect vulnerable populations.

Journalist Detained Over Bribery Allegations

Journalist Gideon Madzikatidze detained in Harare after alleging Geo Pomona bribed journalists.

Police detained journalist Gideon Madzikatidze in Harare on February 20, 2026, following his allegations that "Geo Pomona bribes journalists." The detention of the Bulawayo24 journalist has sparked concern within the Zimbabwean media fraternity, raising questions about media freedom. This incident raises serious questions about press freedom in the country and highlights potential corruption surrounding national projects, particularly those involving public funds. The detention has drawn attention to the risks journalists face when reporting on sensitive issues, and advocacy groups are calling for his immediate release. This case underscores ongoing debates about transparency and accountability within the nation's governance.

The Jeere 2026-03-04  ·  stories

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