Section 148: Privileges and immunities of Parliament
Constitution of Zimbabwe
(1) The President of the Senate, the Speaker and Members of Parliament have freedom of speech in Parliament and in all parliamentary committees and, while they must obey the rules and orders of the House concerned, they are not liable to civil or criminal proceedings, arrest or imprisonment or damages for anything said in, produced before or submitted to Parliament or any of its committees.
(2) An Act of Parliament may—
(a) provide for other privileges, immunities and powers of Parliament and its Members
and officers;
(b) define conduct which constitutes contempt of Parliament, whether committed by
Members of Parliament or other people; and
(c) provide for a right of reply, through the Speaker or the President of the Senate, as the
case may be, for persons who are unjustly injured by what is said about them in
Parliament; but no such Act may permit Parliament or its Members or officers to impose any punishment in the nature of a criminal penalty, other than a fine, for breach of privilege or contempt of Parliament.
This section establishes parliamentary privilege in Zimbabwe, which protects legislators from legal consequences for statements made during parliamentary proceedings. It's similar to protections found in many Westminster-style democracies. The limitation in the final paragraph is significant - it prevents Parliament from imposing criminal penalties (except fines) for contempt, which serves as a check on parliamentary power and prevents potential abuse of the contempt mechanism against critics or opposition.