The Democratic Alliance (DA) has strongly condemned the arrest of Zimbabwean opposition leader Tendai Biti, calling on the South African government to intervene diplomatically.

In a statement released on Monday, DA spokesperson on international relations Ryan Smith said Biti was arrested by state police on 21 March 2026 in the eastern Zimbabwean town of Mutare.

Biti, who leads the Constitution Defenders Forum (CDF), was detained alongside several party members and a local journalist. Authorities have not disclosed the charges he may face.

The DA said the arrest raises serious concerns about political freedom in Zimbabwe, particularly as the CDF has gained support for opposing constitutional changes linked to President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

According to the party, Zimbabwe recently gazetted Constitution Amendment Bill No. 3, which proposes sweeping changes that could effectively allow unlimited presidential terms. The DA argues the bill would entrench the ruling ZANU-PF’s hold on power under the guise of technical electoral reforms.

Smith described the arrest as an act of “state brutality” and warned that Zimbabwe’s democratic decline poses a threat to regional stability, including contributing to migration pressures in South Africa.

The party has called on President Cyril Ramaphosa and International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola to publicly condemn Biti’s arrest and engage Zimbabwean authorities through diplomatic channels.

“South Africa cannot continue to turn a blind eye to the crisis on its doorstep,” Smith said, urging government to act against what he described as increasingly authoritarian tendencies in the region.

The DA further warned that the incident reflects a broader pattern across parts of Africa, pointing to similar arrests of opposition figures in countries such as Uganda and Tanzania.

It also criticised the African National Congress (ANC), which leads the Government of National Unity, for failing to take a stronger stance on human rights violations in neighbouring countries.

Citing Section 11.9 of the GNU’s statement of intent, the DA said South Africa’s foreign policy should be rooted in human rights and constitutionalism, and that the government has a duty to promote these values in the region.

“President Ramaphosa and Minister Ronald Lamola have a responsibility to ensure that freedom and democracy survive and thrive in Southern Africa,” Smith said.

At the time of publication, there was no comment from the governments of South Africa or Zimbabwe.