Former Bulawayo Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) senator Felix Magalela Sibanda has unleashed a scathing attack on those lobbying for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to extend his term beyond 2028, labelling them “criminals” who should be arrested and jailed.
Sibanda’s call comes at a time when all Zanu PF structures at provincial level have endorsed Mnangagwa to rule beyond 2028 when his second term expires. This has sparked a heated debate about the constitutionality of such a move, with many arguing that Mnangagwa’s potential bid to extend his term would violate the Zimbabwean Constitution.
“According to the Constitution of Zimbabwe, Chapter 5 (90), the President of Zimbabwe must uphold, defend and respect the Constitution as the supreme law of the nation and must ensure that the Constitution and all other laws are faithfully observed,” Sibanda said in a statement.
He argues that those pushing for Mnangagwa to extend his tenure are “encouraging the wanton violation of the supreme law of the nation, which is highly unconstitutional and treasonous to say the least.”
Sibanda has also directed his ire towards the police, urging them to act swiftly against these “political zealots”.
“We, as concerned citizens, are calling and appealing to the Police Commissioner-General to move fast by arresting all these political zealots who want to cause untold socio-political upheavals in this country because of their self-preservation and selfish ends,” he said.
He believes that the police have a constitutional duty to act against those suspected of committing crimes.
“Police officers have a constitutional right to arrest anyone if there are reasonable suspicions that they are about to commit a crime or have actually committed a crime. In this case, all suspects are well known and are recorded by ZBC [Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation television] and various local, regional and international news outlets,” Sibanda stated.
Mnangagwa has twice publicly refuted claims that he is seeking to extend his rule to 2030. However, his supporters’ actions and public statements have fuelled speculation that a bid for a third term is indeed in the works.
