Senior Zanu PF Official Snatches Lawyer Doug Coltart’s Phone During Public Hearing On Constitutional Amendment Bill
Tinashe Sambiri– The public consultations on Zimbabwe Constitution Amendment (No. 3) Bill erupted into chaos on Tuesday at the City Sports Centre, exposing tensions and claims of deliberate disruption during a nationwide process intended to gather citizen input on proposed changes to presidential and parliamentary terms.
The most alarming incident involved human rights lawyer Doug Coltart, who was physically confronted while attempting to leave the venue. His phone and eyeglasses were forcibly taken during the altercation.
Authorities and witnesses identified the individual who grabbed Coltart’s phone as Luckmore Tinashe Gapa, a senior ZANU PF official.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic. “It was complete disorder. People were shouting, pushing, and preventing others from speaking,” one attendee said.
Video clips of the incident quickly circulated on social media, drawing widespread condemnation and prompting calls for accountability.
Observers noted that the violent disruption overshadowed the consultation process, raising serious questions about the integrity of the CAB3 hearings.
“This is supposed to be a platform for citizens to share their views, not for intimidation or attacks on lawyers,” a witness added.
The incident highlights deep divisions in Zimbabwe’s political landscape and the challenges facing attempts to engage the public in constitutional reforms.
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