President Mnangagwa signed the PVO Amendment Bill, making it law after officials published it Friday as Act No. 1 of 2025. The new rules change how civic groups operate in Zimbabwe through updates to five major laws, including the PVO Act, Money Laundering Act, and Criminal Law Act.
Government officials can watch these organizations more closely under the law. They check who runs them, where the money comes from, and what groups they connect with. People found breaking these rules could face prison time up to 35 years if linked to illegal money or false information.
The government gained power to shut down groups, take their property, or completely disband organizations that break the new rules. Going forward, a special board of civil society members and ministry officials will oversee these groups.
The government claims these changes help stop terrorism funding and money laundering despite criticism from human rights groups and the United Nations. Critics worry officials might use these powers against groups that speak out about government problems or reveal corruption among leaders.
Government officials can watch these organizations more closely under the law. They check who runs them, where the money comes from, and what groups they connect with. People found breaking these rules could face prison time up to 35 years if linked to illegal money or false information.
The government gained power to shut down groups, take their property, or completely disband organizations that break the new rules. Going forward, a special board of civil society members and ministry officials will oversee these groups.
The government claims these changes help stop terrorism funding and money laundering despite criticism from human rights groups and the United Nations. Critics worry officials might use these powers against groups that speak out about government problems or reveal corruption among leaders.
