War Veterans Take Mnangagwa To Court Over Term Extension Bill

A group of war veterans has gone to the Constitutional Court of Zimbabwe to try to stop President Emmerson Mnangagwa from pushing Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, which would extend his time in office.

The application, filed on 16 February 2026, challenges the president’s role in cabinet discussions linked to the controversial bill, gazetted by the Speaker of Parliament on Monday.

The applicants — Reuben Zulu, Godfrey Gurira, Shoorai Nyamangodo, Joseph Chinyangare, Digmore Knowledge Ndiya, and Joseph Chinguwa — argue that Mnangagwa breached the constitution by presiding over deliberations from which he stands to benefit personally.

The challenge, prepared by constitutional law expert Professor Lovemore Madhuku, seeks the court to declare cabinet discussions on the bill null and void and to bar Mnangagwa from advancing the proposed amendments.

Key points in the draft legislation include extending presidential terms from five to seven years and replacing direct elections with a system where parliament elects the president.

The veterans say Mnangagwa violated section 90, which requires him to uphold the constitution and avoid conflicts between personal and public interests, and section 196(2), which obliges leaders to act in ways that maintain public trust.

They also point to section 328(7), which bars changes that extend an incumbent president’s term unless certain safeguards are met.

The relief sought includes a declaration that the president acted unconstitutionally, nullification of cabinet approval of the bill, and an interdict preventing him from signing or advancing it.

The challenge comes amid growing tensions over the reforms, which critics warn could reshape Zimbabwe’s governance.

Government officials defend the bill as a way to strengthen democratic structures and align Zimbabwe’s constitution with international practices.

The Constitutional Court is expected to set timelines for responses from the president and the attorney-general before deciding whether to hear the matter fully.

Meanwhile, Speaker of the National Assembly Jacob Mudenda gazetted the bill on Monday, starting a 90-day public consultation period before MPs and senators vote.

More: ZimLive