The discovery of a Zanu PF-branded cloth and clay pots covered in red fabric at the entrance of the new Parliament Building in Mt Hampden prompted Chiredzi Central MP Ropafadzo Makumire to raise safety concerns in the National Assembly on Tuesday.
Makumire questioned the safety of legislators and parliamentary staff after the items were discovered early in the morning at the foot of the Parliament complex. Images of the objects were widely circulated on social media, fuelling speculation that they may have been linked to ritual activity.
“My concern is a pertinent and different one, Madam Speaker,” Makumire said. “There are some things that we have noticed, such as artefacts that were at the entrance. There was a cloth which belonged to the other party and a clay pot. We want to know whether we are safe in this place.”
Responding to the concerns, the Deputy Speaker dismissed suggestions that the items posed any danger to lawmakers or staff, saying they appeared to have been placed by a mentally challenged person.
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“From what we have seen on social media, it appears these items were placed by a mentally challenged person,” the Deputy Speaker said. “Such incidents happen in many public places, so how does that put your lives in danger?”
She added that similar objects had been found elsewhere without causing harm and questioned why the Parliament building should be viewed differently.
No official explanation has been given regarding who placed the items at the Parliament complex or their intended purpose. However, the incident has sparked debate, with some interpreting it as politically motivated symbolism.
The new Parliament Building in Mt Hampden, which was commissioned in 2023, continues to draw public attention as lawmakers settle into the facility.
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