Sibanda’s Lawsuit Challenges Government’s Plan to Extend Term Limits
Prince Dubeko Sibanda has filed a lawsuit that is currently the main legal obstacle to the government’s attempt to extend political term limits through the Constitution Amendment (No. 3) Bill.
What the Lawsuit Seeks
Sibanda wants the court to remove two specific parts of the Bill: Clauses 4(b) and 9(b). These clauses would allow the President and Parliament to serve longer than the current five-year term.
Why He Says It’s Illegal
He argues the Bill violates Section 328(7) of the Constitution, which explicitly forbids sitting officials from benefiting any amendment that extends their own term. He is also challenging the phrase “notwithstanding Section 328(7),” calling it an unconstitutional attempt to bypass the law.
Why the Government’s Silence Matters
Parliament missed a 21-day deadline to file a response (which expired in early April 2026). Legally, this means Sibanda’s arguments stand unchallenged. On 26 April 2026, Sibanda confirmed the case is now being treated as unopposed, making it easier for his legal team to win. His team believes the government has no valid defense against the incumbency safeguard in Section 328(7).
Current Status and What’s at Stake
Although the case is unopposed in court, the government continues to move forward politically — public hearings on the Bill ended on 2 April. The case now awaits a hearing date at the Constitutional Court in Harare. If Sibanda wins, the parts of the Bill that would allow President Mnangagwa to stay in office past 2028 will be struck down as illegal.
Key Event – Passing of Air Commodore Simon Brian Bere (Retired)
Simon Brian Bere died on 24 April 2026 in Zambia at age 67 while seeking medical treatment. A decorated liberation war veteran, his death is described as a profound loss to the Zimbabwe Defence Forces. Mourners are gathered at Plot 6, Ansdale Farm, in Karoi.
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