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Senior Zanu PF Official Snatches Lawyer Doug Coltart\u2019s Phone During Public Hearing On Constitutional Amendment Bill<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
Tinashe Sambiri\u2013 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Authorities and witnesses identified the individual who grabbed Coltart\u2019s phone as Luckmore Tinashe Gapa, a senior ZANU PF official.<\/p>\n
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic. \u201cIt was complete disorder. People were shouting, pushing, and preventing others from speaking,\u201d one attendee said.<\/p>\n
Video clips of the incident quickly circulated on social media, drawing widespread condemnation and prompting calls for accountability. <\/p>\n
Observers noted that the violent disruption overshadowed the consultation process, raising serious questions about the integrity of the CAB3 hearings.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is supposed to be a platform for citizens to share their views, not for intimidation or attacks on lawyers,\u201d a witness added.<\/p>\n
The incident highlights deep divisions in Zimbabwe\u2019s political landscape and the challenges facing attempts to engage the public in constitutional reforms.<\/p>\n
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