Tendai Biti Remanded Over Alleged Unauthorised Constitutional Meeting

Human rights lawyer and opposition politician Tendai Biti and former MDC activist Morgan Ncube have been remanded to 16 June after appearing in court on allegations of holding an unauthorised meeting in Mutare. The two appeared before Mutare magistrate Honest Musiiwa on Tuesday, when the matter was postponed to next month. Prosecutor Brighton Garikai Chiromo represented the State.

Biti, who serves as convenor of the Constitution Defenders Forum (CDF), and Ncube were arrested on 21 March 2026 following a meeting allegedly held at 26B Carrington, Darlington, Mutare. According to prosecutors, the gathering was attended by approximately 30 people and focused on discussions surrounding Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3. The State alleges the organisers failed to notify the Mutare Central District Regulating Authority before convening the meeting, as required under Zimbabwean law governing public gatherings.

Court papers further claim the venue where the meeting was held is commonly associated with political activities involving supporters of the MDC Alliance and the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC). Authorities argue the meeting therefore fell within the scope of gatherings requiring formal notification to law enforcement agencies.

Biti and Ncube are being represented by lawyer Chris Ndlovu of Gonese and Ndlovu Legal Practitioners. The matter had initially been postponed to 26 May after the State indicated it was not yet ready for trial proceedings. Both men remain out on bail pending their next court appearance scheduled for 16 June.

Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 has generated debate among political parties, legal experts and civil society groups in Zimbabwe, with critics arguing that proposed amendments could affect constitutional governance and democratic processes. The Constitution Defenders Forum has been among organisations publicly engaging citizens on constitutional matters and governance reforms.

Tendai Biti court case