Prominent constitutional lawyer Lovemore Madhuku was assaulted on March 1, 2026, by a group of unidentified men during a strategy meeting opposing Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 at the offices of the National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) in Harare, raising fresh concerns over political violence and the shrinking space for civic engagement in Zimbabwe.
According to witnesses, several balaclava-clad men stormed the NCA premises while a meeting was in progress to map out resistance against the proposed constitutional amendment. The bill seeks to extend presidential terms to seven years and transfer the conduct of national elections from the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission to Parliament.
Those present at the meeting alleged that police officers were stationed nearby but did not intervene as the attackers disrupted proceedings and assaulted Madhuku. The incident has sparked public outrage, with critics questioning the role of law enforcement in protecting citizens exercising their constitutional rights.
In response, the Zimbabwe Republic Police denied any involvement or complicity in the attack. Police spokespersons said the gathering was not officially sanctioned and confirmed that investigations into the incident are underway.
Madhuku, who has already challenged Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 in court, condemned the attack and described it as an attempt to intimidate critics of the proposed changes. He vowed that the assault would not deter him or other constitutional activists from opposing what he described as an erosion of democratic principles.
“This violence will not stop our work,” Madhuku said, reaffirming his commitment to legal and civic resistance against the Bill.
Opposition political figures and civil society organisations swiftly condemned the assault, warning that such incidents point to a growing intolerance of dissent. They expressed concern that attacks on lawyers, activists, and civic leaders threaten democratic participation and undermine constitutionalism in the country.
The incident comes at a time when Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 is entering a critical phase of national debate and public consultation, with heightened scrutiny on how the process will be conducted and whether differing views will be allowed to be expressed freely.
As investigations continue, pressure is mounting on authorities to ensure accountability and guarantee the safety of all citizens involved in lawful political and civic activities.
