The Constitution Defenders Forum (CDF), a group of political activists led by former Finance Minister and human rights lawyer Tendai Biti, has condemned the removal of Jessie Majome as chairperson of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC).
CDF described the decision as unconstitutional and politically motivated.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa removed Majome from her position as chairperson of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission on Friday, 10 April 2026.
The decision came just days after Majome publicly criticised parliamentary public hearings on Constitutional Amendment Bill Number 3.
Addressing journalists at a press conference in Harare, CDF deputy spokesperson Chiedza Mulingwa said Majome’s removal is meant to silence dissent over the proposed amendment.
The group has demanded Majome’s reinstatement within 24 hours, warning that it will pursue legal action if Mnangagwa fails to comply.
“As CDF, we strongly condemn the brazen and unconstitutional removal of the chairperson of the ZHRC,” said Mulingwa.
“Since the constitution does not give room for the President to act in the manner in which he has done, CDF accordingly views this development as a calculated and retaliatory move designed to silence dissent and intimidate independent constitutional bodies.
“The proximity between her removal and her well-publicised concerns reinforces the conclusion that this action is politically motivated.
“We demand that this unconstitutional act be reversed immediately or within the next 24 hours, failing which we will be considering all lawful and available measures to challenge this illegal action and to simultaneously intensify efforts towards the withdrawal of CAB3 in its entirety.”
The CDF cited Section 237(2) of the Constitution, which sets out strict conditions under which members of independent commissions may be removed, including mental incapacity, gross incompetence, or misconduct.
It said that none of these grounds had been publicly established in Majome’s case.
Meanwhile, Majome, who has since been appointed as a commissioner at the Public Service Commission (PSC), said she is “exercising her right to remain silent” on her new role.
When contacted by ZiFM Stereo News, she declined to comment on both her new appointment and her transfer from the rights body.
