HARARE – A group of retired senior military officials, led by Henry Muchena, has issued a sharp rebuke of outspoken political figure Temba Mliswa following his comments on their submission regarding Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3.
In a strongly worded statement, the former Air Vice-Marshal described Mliswa’s remarks as “irresponsible and dangerous,” accusing him of trivialising a serious constitutional matter and making inflammatory attacks against retired army generals and senior civil servants.
The response comes after Mliswa publicly criticised the group’s correspondence with Parliament. Muchena and his colleagues defended their actions, stating that their submission was part of a formal and constitutionally mandated process.
“Our letter to Parliament was submitted through the proper channels in response to a public call by the Clerk of Parliament,” the statement read. “At no point does this process require us to approach the President. Any such assertion reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of constitutional procedures.”
The retired officials also dismissed Mliswa’s claims that their intervention was driven by personal grievances or lack of employment, calling the remarks “deeply disrespectful.”
“We have served this country with distinction—on the battlefield, in government institutions, and in public service,” Muchena said. “To reduce our principled engagement to bitterness is beneath contempt.”
The group further challenged Mliswa to clarify his remarks suggesting that they were “not clean,” demanding that he substantiate the allegation.
They also questioned Mliswa’s authority to comment on the matter in an official capacity, noting that he does not hold a recognised role within the Parliament of Zimbabwe, the government, or the ruling party, ZANU-PF.
“To the best of our knowledge, you are neither a Member of Parliament nor a representative of the party,” the statement said. “On what basis, then, do you address retired generals and senior civil servants in such a manner?”
The former military officials reaffirmed their longstanding role in Zimbabwe’s political and national development, including their involvement in mobilisation efforts during the liberation struggle. They rejected any suggestion that they should refrain from participating in political discourse.
“We will not be silenced or dissuaded from engaging on issues that affect the nation,” the statement added. “Our focus remains on safeguarding the interests of the Zimbabwean people.”
The group also expressed concern over what they described as threats of treason allegedly made by Mliswa in response to their parliamentary submission, warning that such accusations were serious and should not be made lightly.
The escalating war of words underscores growing tensions surrounding Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, as debate intensifies among political actors and stakeholders over its implications for Zimbabwe’s governance and democratic framework.