The MDC Alliance President Nelson Chamisa has said the move by President Emmerson Mnangagwa to indefinitely extend the lockdown is an act of establishing a tyrannical rule under the veil of fighting the pandemic. 

Chamisa said the indefinite lockdown extension changes the situation in a fundamental way.

Said Chamisa in a tweet:

Whereas measures to contain the COVID-19 pandemic are a necessity, we disagree with entrenching arbitrary rule under the guise of fighting the pandemic.We backed previous measures because they were time-specific.Indefinite extension changes the situation in a fundamental way.

Without consultation with us all, the indefinite extension of the lockdown opens a treacherous avenue to arbitrary rule. It indefinitely suspends the exercise of civil and political rights which are necessary checks and balances on the excesses of governmental power.

Most authoritarian regimes are now using COVID-19 situation as an stratagem to violate rights, abuse people, esp workers, informal traders & churches. Abuse & manipulation must be fought by all progressive citizens.The greater the oppression, the greater the determination!

Chamisa made these remarks after President Mnangagwa said he was extending the lockdown indefinitely and said they will review the situation in 2 weeks.