Harare – Former Finance Minister Tendai Biti has made explosive accusations, claiming he is being deliberately targeted by authorities for his staunch opposition to Zanu PF’s controversial “2030 Agenda.” This comes after a significant deployment of police officers outside his offices in Milton Park, Harare, throughout Saturday, raising serious questions about the state of political freedom in Zimbabwe.
Biti, a vocal critic of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, is at the forefront of opposition efforts against what he describes as Zanu PF’s “illegal” scheme to extend the 83-year-old President’s rule beyond 2028. The presence of a heavy police contingent at Biti’s law chambers on Saturday is believed to have been in anticipation of a potential gathering by the Constitution Defence Forum, an organisation Biti leads in its campaign against the 2030 Agenda.
Responding to the police deployment, Biti didn’t mince his words, stating that he is being targeted for his unwavering defence of constitutionalism and his outspoken stance against authoritarianism.
“The police barricade at our law firm is an unlawful and unconstitutional invasion of our right to work. We are a peaceful, law-abiding group. We have a right to freedom of movement, association and speech,” Biti declared.
He continued, “We are being targeted for our consistency and principled position against autocracy and dictatorship. We are being targeted for our defence of the Constitution and our firm rejection of the 2030 Agenda.”
Biti further alleges that his firm stance against corruption, and those he calls its “principal disciples,” some of whom he claims harbour presidential ambitions, is another reason for the targeting.
Meanwhile, Biti’s lawyer, Jeremiah Bamu, has stated that they have engaged with the police and received assurances that neither Biti nor his law firm is under investigation. According to Bamu, police officers insisted they were merely carrying out routine law and order duties in the area. However, this explanation has done little to quell concerns, given the backdrop of recent events.
The incident at Biti’s office occurs amidst a backdrop of escalating concerns regarding human rights and political freedoms in Zimbabwe. A disturbing pattern of abductions and torture is emerging, seemingly aimed at stifling dissent against President Mnangagwa’s administration and its alleged attempts to prolong his tenure beyond 2028.
According to a source within the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) intelligence, critics and perceived opponents of Mnangagwa’s alleged plot are increasingly becoming targets for abduction, torture, and potential disappearances. Those who are fortunate enough to face the law are being charged under the controversial Patriotic Act.
Adding to these concerns, approximately three weeks prior to the police presence at Biti’s office, the Southern Africa Political Economy Series (SAPES) Trust premises were petrol-bombed. A security guard was also abducted in what is believed to be a deliberate attempt to disrupt discussions surrounding the alleged political manoeuvre to perpetuate Mnangagwa’s presidency. Biti and other opposition figures were scheduled to speak at the event.
The recent abduction and alleged torture of activist Godfrey Karembera, widely known as Madzibaba Veshanduko, has further heightened anxieties. Karembera was reportedly seized by unidentified individuals, later found in State custody, and allegedly subjected to beatings and denied medical attention, according to reports from rights groups and independent media.
Police claim Karembera faces charges under Zimbabwe’s Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act and are hinting at the possible use of the Patriotic Act (2023) – a contentious amendment that criminalises actions deemed to “injure the sovereignty and national interest” of Zimbabwe.
A senior police intelligence officer told New Zimbabwe, “Karembera’s detention betrays a broader climate in which dissent is met with State-linked violence, opaque charges, and expansive security laws.”
Adding to the growing list of incidents, just last week, two student activists from Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT) were abducted and tortured. Lindon Zanga (21) and Malvin Madanda (29), members of a student union aligned with the opposition, were abducted, tortured, and abandoned by unknown assailants on November 10, amidst impending students’ council elections.
These recent cases of abduction and torture have reignited concerns about a growing trend of targeting government critics.
Lemuel Mukandawire, a human rights defender, stated, “These cases fit a long-standing pattern of targeted abductions and intimidation of opposition figures, students, and activists.”
Mukandawire added, “As rights organisations, we argue that the Patriotic Act’s wording is vague and enables abuse and suppresses legitimate political organising.” He further explained that while some parts of the 2023 law have been challenged in court, key provisions remain in force and continue to be invoked.
According to Mukandawire, the legislation is also intended to silence activism beyond Zimbabwe’s borders. This claim is supported by reports that authorities within the Mnangagwa administration are closely monitoring organisers of demonstrations in other countries against the President, whose government is blamed for the economic decline that has led many Zimbabweans to seek opportunities abroad.
According to a police source, “There is a long watchlist of with names of diaspora activists such as Tanyaradzwa Emily Daka, Francis Mubani, Xoliso Sithole, Mollin Muteto, Cretah Mupfudze, Dadirayi Mukwedeya, Ralph Dube, Elizabeth Chitengo, Happiness Ncube, Edgar Mancini, Eness Mapungwana, Nkululeko Ndlovu, Melody Talent Mkwenje, Prince Justin Chihurani, Josephine Mudimbu and others, who are of interest.”
The police source further stated that “Zimbabweans in the UK are watching closely, as authorities have hinted that the same law may be applied to those accused of coordinating political activity abroad. The police source cited meetings that took place before and after the failed demonstration in Zimbabwe.”
Reportedly, meetings held in South Africa and in Durham, UK, led by figures such as Shepherd Yuda and Patson Muzuwa, have rattled President Mnangagwa’s regime, which stands accused of economic mismanagement and severe human rights violations.
As fears grow that transnational repression may widen, rights groups continue to call for independent investigations, medical access for victims, and the protection of fundamental freedoms. The events surrounding Tendai Biti and the broader context of alleged political persecution paint a concerning picture of the current state of affairs in Zimbabwe.
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