Tinotenda Hove- Kuwadzana West legislator Hon. Johnson Matambo has strongly condemned what he described as the persecution of human rights defenders in Zimbabwe, while also rejecting the controversial Constitutional Amendment Bill currently before Parliament.

Speaking during a heated parliamentary debate on Tuesday, Matambo raised concerns over the treatment of prominent human rights activists Doug Coltart and Liberty Hamauswa, warning that shrinking democratic space poses a threat to freedom of expression and political diversity in the country.

During the debate, Zanu PF Chief Whip Pupurai Togarepi reportedly attempted to interrupt and silence Matambo as he presented his views against the proposed constitutional changes.
Undeterred, Matambo said: “We are concerned about the persecution of human rights defenders in Zimbabwe. We are also concerned about the closure of democratic space. The bill is therefore a threat to alternative voices.”

The opposition legislator argued that the proposed amendments could undermine democratic principles by limiting dissenting opinions and weakening constitutional safeguards.

Matambo also criticized efforts to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s stay in office, saying any changes affecting presidential term limits should only be made after meaningful consultation with citizens.

He denounced what he described as attempts to prolong Mnangagwa’s tenure without first seeking the views of Zimbabweans, insisting that constitutional changes must reflect the will of the people rather than the interests of political elites.
The Constitutional Amendment Bill has sparked intense debate across the political divide, with supporters arguing that it is necessary for governance reforms, while critics maintain that it threatens democratic accountability and constitutionalism.

Matambo’s remarks add to growing opposition against the proposed amendments, particularly concerns that they could be used to consolidate political power and silence alternative voices in Zimbabwe’s democratic landscape.