By Staff Reporter

A public hearing on the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment No. 3 Bill (CAB3) held today at Kwekwe Theatre descended into chaos after a former councillor, Melody Chingarande, was verbally and physically assaulted by suspected Zanu PF supporters.

Chingarande, in her submission, said she did not support the extension of the presidential term, drawing a barrage of insults from some participants.

“I am not in support of this Bill. I am saying no to the extension of the presidential tenure,” she said before being verbally and physically attacked.

She appealed for protection from the chairperson of the committee before the microphone was forcefully grabbed by an unidentified man.

“I need protection from the chair. It is my right to speak and I will not be silenced,” she said.

Gokwe-Nembudziya Senator Maybe Mbowa, who was facilitating the hearings, called for order, warning residents that unruly behaviour could compromise the outcome of the process.

“Kwekwe residents, if you want your submissions not to be contested, let us be silent and orderly. Those with cameras are taking videos, and this will be contested, which is not what we want,” she said.

Chingarande was later dragged out of the theatre by unidentified men who were shouting insults at her.

After being forcibly ejected from the meeting, she was seen walking towards Kwekwe Central Police Station before being picked up by a police vehicle.

Mbowa subsequently declared the meeting closed.

Efforts to get a comment after the meeting from Honourable Albert Mavhunga, who is chairing the hearings in the Midlands, were unsuccessful due to the chaotic situation, as unidentified individuals threatened to seize journalists’ cellphones and equipment.

His mobile phone went unanswered.