Intimidation as Zimbabwe bids to extend presidential term

PROFESSOR Lovemore Madhuku struggled to focus without his spectacles broken in an assault that shocked many in Zimbabwe when footage of his injuries was shared on social media.

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PROFESSOR Lovemore Madhuku, a prominent lawyer and leader of the National Constitutional Assembly (NCA), displays injuries he sustained during an assault early March. The attack is among a series reported by opponents mobilising against a proposed constitutional amendment passed by cabinet last month that will extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term. | AFP

(AFP)

His lips were still swollen and bruises lined his back, the aftermath of an assault he blamed on police-backed security agents, who stormed a meeting of his opposition party in early March.

The attack is among a series reported by groups mobilising against a proposed constitutional amendment passed by cabinet last month that would extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’ term.

But it has not weakened his resolve to fight the changes, said Madhuku, a law professor and leader of the National Constitutional Assembly.