‘False And Toxic’: ZANU-PF Dismisses Violence Claims At Chaotic Amendment No. 3 Hearings

ZANU-PF Dismisses Violence Claims After Chaotic Amendment Hearings

ZANU-PF has dismissed allegations linking the ruling party to violence that erupted during Constitutional Amendment No. 3 public hearings, describing the claims as “false and toxic” following chaotic scenes, including an attack on lawyer Doug Coltart during hearings held in Harare on 31 March 2026.

Speaking on 2 April 2026, ZANU-PF Director of Information Farai Marapira denied that the ruling party orchestrated the violence, insisting that ZANU-PF “categorically condemns” any violent conduct.

According to ZiFM News, Marapira said the party had no involvement in the disturbances and did not influence who spoke at the public hearings.

“The president has been very clear on the issue of violence. The president has categorically spoken time and time again against violence which pervades our society. As ZANU-PF we are on record as stating that our position is clear against violence,” Marapira said.

He added that incidents of violence should be investigated.

“We condemn the violence that happened against Professor Maduku. We condemn the violence that has occurred anywhere else. We condemn all forms of violence, political or otherwise, and we have full faith that the police will always get to the bottom of any issue.”

Violence At Hearings Sparks National Attention

The remarks come after violent scenes were recorded at public hearings across the country. On 31 March 2026, lawyer Doug Coltart was assaulted during a hearing at City Sports Centre in Harare, with his phone taken and glasses broken.

Videos circulating on X show chaotic scenes where Coltart was surrounded, shoved and slapped as tensions escalated.

Reports also identified Luckmore Tinashe Gapa, described as a ZANU-PF Central Committee member, as the person who grabbed Coltart’s phone, while Nicholas Hamadziripi, identified as a ZANU-PF district official from Churu, was also named among those involved.

The violence occurred during hearings on proposed constitutional changes that could extend presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years and change how the president is selected.

Earlier incidents were also reported. Lawyer Lovemore Madhuku, leader of the National Constitutional Assembly, was reportedly hospitalised after being assaulted following a meeting on the amendments earlier in March 2026. Police denied involvement.

‘False And Toxic’ Allegations

Marapira dismissed claims that supporters of the amendment dominated hearings through intimidation.

“When people go for these consultative meetings, there is a crowd of people and people are randomly picked. The fact that the majority of voices coming out are positive speaks to the fact that the majority of people in attendance are for the bill.”

He accused critics of pushing what he described as a toxic narrative.

“The opposition needs to move out of its toxic approach to each and every contestation and sometimes appreciate and respect the will of the people. They cannot continue to try to subvert the hopes and aspirations of the people by trying to impugn falsities and negative issues on every story.”

Marapira also defended the legitimacy of the proposed amendment.

“The legitimacy of this bill is beyond question. The first day spoke, the first day proved that this bill was already accepted by the people and indeed as we had said came from the people.”

Amendment Aimed At Ending ‘Perpetual Toxicity’

Marapira said extending electoral cycles to seven years would reduce political tensions.

“Five-year cycles keep people in perpetual election mode. Perpetual toxicity, perpetual trying to always undermine one another. These are issues that we look at for the betterment of our country.”

He added that the amendment was not meant to benefit one individual.