Top lawyer Thabani Mpofu has warned that Zimbabwe’s ruling elite will not stop at Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, but will keep mutilating the Constitution to build a new political dynasty.
Writing on X, Mpofu said CAB3 was only the start of an aggressive power grab by the political elite, one that would culminate in the steady creation of a new dynasty.
“CAB3 is nothing; in fact, it is child’s play. The real danger is CAB4, CAB5 and 6; a calculated pathway to capture, entrenchment and the quiet birth of a new political dynasty. Never allow this carmel to put its head in through CAB3. They are testing the waters. Tinoparara,” said Mpofu.
“Do you really think that if Tagwirei takes over from an 86-year-old Mnangagwa, he will only do 14 years and thereafter gracefully retire to Shurugwi in his 60s? Kwanai mazvinzwa.”
The Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill, 2026 (H.B. 1 of 2026) was gazetted on 16 February 2026. It contains 21 clauses, but seven sets of changes are fuelling most of the controversy.
Among the most contentious are proposals to scrap the direct election of the President, extend terms of office from five to seven years, and expand the Senate to include presidential appointees.
Related:
CAB3: Why Zimbabwe’s Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 Undermines Democracy
EXPLAINED: Why Bill No. 3 Will Pass, And How President Mnangagwa Could Still Lead Until 2042 Without “Extending” His Term