Top Lawyer Accuses Zimbabwe’s Justice Minister of Political Exploitation Over Controversial CAB3 Bill

Zimbabwe’s Justice Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Zvobgo is accelerating the passage of the controversial Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Bill (CAB3) despite sharp criticism from legal experts. Top lawyer Advocate George Charamba has accused her of pushing the legislation for political gain, warning it threatens judicial independence and due process. The bill, currently before Parliament, could reshape Zimbabwe’s legal framework—raising alarms among human rights groups and opposition lawmakers. With elections looming in 2028, the timing of CAB3’s push has intensified scrutiny over its motives.

Why is Advocate George Charamba calling CAB3 a “political power grab”?

Charamba, a former Attorney-General and one of Zimbabwe’s most respected legal minds, told NewZimbabwe.com that the bill’s rushed passage—just months before a potential constitutional review—smacks of political expediency. “This is not about justice reform,” he said. “It’s about consolidating power before the next election cycle.” His critique follows a pattern: since 2023, Zimbabwe’s government has fast-tracked at least three major legal overhauls—each met with similar accusations of undermining checks and balances.

The CAB3, if enacted, would overhaul criminal procedures, expand prosecutorial powers, and introduce mandatory minimum sentences for certain offenses. Critics argue these changes could erode judicial discretion, a concern amplified by Zimbabwe’s 2022 crackdown on dissent, where courts were accused of rubber-stamping politically motivated arrests. Charamba’s warning comes as Parliament’s Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee prepares to finalize the bill’s report—potentially within weeks.

How does CAB3 compare to Zimbabwe’s past legal controversies?

This isn’t the first time Zimbabwe’s government has faced backlash over legislative speed. In 2020, President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration pushed through the Public Order and Security Act (POSA), which critics called a tool to suppress protests. The 2023 Constitution Amendment Bill also faced similar accusations, with opposition lawmakers alleging it was designed to extend Mnangagwa’s term beyond 2028. Both bills were passed with minimal public consultation.

What sets CAB3 apart is its broad scope. Unlike POSA, which targeted protests, or the 2023 amendment, which focused on term limits, CAB3 rewrites core criminal justice procedures. This includes:

• Mandatory minimum sentences for economic crimes (a direct response to post-2017 hyperinflation-era corruption cases).
• Expanded prosecutorial discretion to override judicial rulings in “national interest” cases.
• New offenses for “cyber-harassment” and “economic sabotage,” broadly defined terms that could chill free speech.

Who stands to lose if CAB3 passes?

The bill’s language has sent shockwaves through Zimbabwe’s legal community. “This is a death knell for judicial independence,” said Dr. Tafadzwa Mukosi, a constitutional law expert at the University of Zimbabwe. “Once prosecutors can override judges on ‘national interest’ grounds, we’re no longer a rule-of-law state.” Mukosi pointed to Section 12(2) of CAB3, which allows prosecutors to appeal directly to the President for case overrides—a power previously reserved for the Supreme Court.

Businesses, too, are on edge. The Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe warned that mandatory sentences for “economic sabotage” could chill investment in the country’s struggling mining sector. “We’re already seeing capital flight due to policy uncertainty,” said Chamber CEO John Bredell in a statement. “This bill will make it worse.” With Zimbabwe’s foreign direct investment (FDI) at a 10-year low (World Bank data), legal instability is the last thing the economy needs.

What happens next? The parliamentary timeline

The Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee is expected to finalize its report on CAB3 by July 15, 2026, after which the bill will go to a full parliamentary vote. If passed, it could become law within 60 days, per Zimbabwe’s Parliamentary Procedures Act.

Opposition parties, including the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), have vowed to filing legal challenges if the bill passes. “We’ll take this to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Court if necessary,” said CCC MP Job Sikhala. Meanwhile, civil society groups like Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) are mobilizing public petitions against the bill.

How can businesses and individuals protect themselves?

With CAB3’s potential to reshape criminal justice, legal and financial preparedness is critical. Here’s what stakeholders should do now:

• Corporate entities should consult white-collar defense attorneys to assess exposure under expanded “economic sabotage” clauses. Firms like PwC Zimbabwe and Deloitte’s forensic teams are advising clients on compliance strategies.
• Individuals facing potential charges should seek pre-trial legal reviews from firms specializing in criminal appeals and constitutional challenges. [Human Rights Law Firms] in Harare are already seeing a surge in inquiries.
• Investors should monitor SADC Court rulings on similar cases, as legal precedents could weaken CAB3’s enforcement. [International Trade Law Consultants] are tracking regional court activity closely.

The bigger picture: What CAB3 reveals about Zimbabwe’s legal trajectory

Charamba’s criticism of CAB3 isn’t just about this bill—it’s a warning sign of a broader trend. Since 2017, Zimbabwe’s government has centralized legal authority through:

• The 2018 Supreme Court restructuring, which reduced judicial independence.
• The 2020 POSA, which expanded state surveillance powers.
• The 2023 term limit amendment, which removed presidential term caps.

“This is authoritarianism by legislation,” said Dr. Eldred Masunungure, a political scientist at the University of Zimbabwe. “Each bill chips away at the checks and balances that kept Zimbabwe from becoming a one-party state.” With elections approaching, the rush to pass CAB3 suggests the government is preparing the legal groundwork for a longer stay in power.

Final thought: Why this matters beyond Zimbabwe’s borders

CAB3’s passage could have regional ripple effects. SADC partners, including South Africa and Botswana, have already expressed concerns over Zimbabwe’s legal drift. The bill’s provisions on cyber-harassment and economic sabotage could also trigger extradition requests for Zimbabweans accused of offenses abroad—a move that could strain diplomatic relations.

For now, the focus remains on Parliament’s next steps. But one thing is clear: if CAB3 becomes law, Zimbabwe’s legal landscape will never be the same. And for businesses, activists, and citizens alike, the question isn’t if the bill will pass—but how quickly they can adapt.

In times of legal uncertainty, verified expertise is the only safeguard. Whether you’re a business navigating new criminal risks or an individual concerned about due process, the World Today News Directory connects you to vetted legal professionals who understand Zimbabwe’s evolving legal terrain. [Find a Constitutional Lawyer] or [Consult a White-Collar Defense Firm] before the next legislative shift—because in Zimbabwe today, the law isn’t just changing. It’s being rewritten.