By A Correspondent – President Emmerson Mnangagwa has once again hidden behind the rhetoric of good governance to introduce the contentious Whistle Blowers and Witness Protection Bill, a law many fear will be weaponised to protect regime loyalists and punish dissenting voices.

Officially opening the Fourth Session of the 10th Parliament in Mt Hampden on Tuesday, Mnangagwa claimed his government was committed to democracy while pushing a legislative agenda seen as entrenching authoritarian control.

“My Government is unwavering in its commitment to the rule of law, access to justice, constitutionalism, good governance, and public accountability,” President Mnangagwa said.

The Whistleblowers Bill was listed among several laws his Justice Ministry wants rushed through Parliament, alongside amendments to align existing laws with the disputed Constitutional Amendment No.3.

“Following the successful enactment of Constitutional Amendment Act No. 3, there is a need to undertake consequential amendments to ensure that various pieces of legislation are aligned with the Constitution,” he said.

Critics argue that under Mnangagwa, whistleblowers who expose high-level corruption have been harassed, arrested or ignored, while the government now wants to create a law that will give it total control over who is protected and who is exposed.

The Bill was announced together with other Bills including the Child Justice Bill, Legal Aid Bill and Legal Practitioners Amendment Bill, which have previously been used to delay real reforms.