HARARE – A group of retired generals led by Air Marshal (Retired) Henry Muchena has warned former Norton legislator Temba Mliswa over his remarks on their submission to Parliament regarding Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, insisting their actions were constitutional and reaffirming their stance with the declaration that “once a soldier, always a soldier.”
In a statement dated 18 March 2026 and signed by Muchena on behalf of retired generals and ex-combatants, the group described Mliswa’s remarks as “irresponsible” and “dangerous,” saying they had been compelled to respond after he questioned their correspondence to Parliament.
The retired officials said their submission to the Clerk of Parliament formed part of a lawful and constitutionally prescribed process and rejected suggestions that they should have approached the President directly.
They described such claims as “constitutionally illiterate” and “disrespectful.”
They also dismissed Mliswa’s assertions that they were motivated by bitterness or unemployment, insisting they had served the country and ZanuPF “with distinction” and remained committed to national interests.
“At no point does that process require us to clandestinely approach the President of Zimbabwe. The suggestion is not only constitutionally illiterate, it is disrespectful,” they stated.
“We find it deeply disrespectful that you say we spoke because we are bitter because we do not have jobs. You are getting ahead of yourself.
“We served and continue to serve this country and the Party Zanu-PF with distinction on battlefields, in offices of state, in the barracks and in the corridors of governance.
“To reduce our principled engagement to bitterness born of unemployment is beneath contempt. The same spirit that we fought a War, for nothing in return, is the same spirit that lives in us. This should be a teachable moment for you.”
The group further demanded clarification over Mliswa’s comment that they were “not clean,” stating that they were listening and that the nation was also observing the exchange.
In the statement, the retired officials questioned Mliswa’s authority to respond to their submission, asking whether he was speaking as a government, parliamentary, or party spokesperson.
They stated that, to their knowledge, he was not a member of Zanu-PF in good standing and described him instead as an opposition activist.
The group defended its historical role in political mobilisation, saying ex-combatants had participated in recruitment and organisational activities during and after the liberation struggle.
They rejected attempts to discourage their participation in political discourse and accused Mliswa of advancing the interests of individuals rather than those of Zimbabweans.
The statement also warned against what it described as threats, after Mliswa reportedly suggested possible treason charges in relation to their submission to Parliament.
The retired officials cautioned him against repeating such claims, saying they would not tolerate threats or disparaging remarks.
The group emphasised that they had worn the military uniform with pride and remained loyal to the flag and the nation. They invoked the phrase “once a soldier, always a soldier,” adding that their commitment to national stability remained firm.
The exchange comes amid heightened debate over the bill, which has drawn mixed reactions from political actors and commentators.
Six days ago, a group of retired generals and senior civil servants, led by retired Air Muchena, submitted a written statement to the Clerk of Parliament during the public consultation process on Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill.
In their letter dated March 12, they called for any proposed constitutional changes, particularly those linked to extending the presidential term, to be subjected to a national referendum.
The former liberation war commanders argued that constitutional amendments affecting citizens’ sovereign rights should not be adopted solely through parliamentary approval.
They maintained that political power derives from the people and warned that bypassing a referendum would undermine democratic principles and the legacy of the liberation struggle.
While reaffirming their loyalty to both the ruling party and the nation, the group insisted that the Constitution belongs to all Zimbabweans and should only be amended with direct public approval.
They urged Parliament to ensure that the final decision rests with the people through a referendum, stating that anything less would betray constitutional values.
