Blessed Geza bounces back, declares another national shutdown as President Mnangagwa responds, says Geza’s days are numbered

Harare – War veteran Blessed Runesu Geza, known as “Bombshell”, has once again ignited political tensions by calling for a national shutdown this week, aimed at forcing President Emmerson Mnangagwa to step down.

This call comes barely a month after Geza orchestrated the March 31 countrywide protests against Mnangagwa’s leadership, which largely resulted in a stay-away as businesses remained closed and citizens stayed home.

Geza, a vocal critic of the current administration and now reportedly aligned with a ZANU-PF faction loyal to Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga, has intensified his pressure on Mnangagwa, accusing him of corruption, authoritarianism, and attempts to extend his rule beyond constitutional limits.

In a series of online addresses, Geza urged Zimbabweans across all provinces to engage in peaceful protest. He described the planned shutdown on April 22nd and 23rd as a necessary act of civil disobedience against what he calls “failed leadership and stolen futures.”

“We can’t continue suffering in silence,” said Geza. “The time has come for every citizen to rise and demand change. The 22nd and 23rd of April must mark a turning point. Mnangagwa must go.”

Geza, currently in hiding, has specifically called on all Zimbabweans to stay at home on Tuesday and Wednesday, protesting against what he describes as Mnangagwa’s corrupt and failing government. He took to social media to urge citizens to express their disapproval of the 82-year-old Zanu PF leader’s rule through the shutdown, just hours after Mnangagwa appealed against using social media for incitement during his Independence Day address.

“On Tuesday and Wednesday, the 22nd and 23rd of April 2025, everyone must stay home. We must shut down Zimbabwe completely,” Geza stated. “This is to send a strong message to Mnangagwa and his ‘zvigananda’. Shops and industries will not open, and kombis will be parked. The police will not teargas you, but if they ever come to you, you have the right to defend yourselves.”

Geza has also argued that Mnangagwa’s control over State institutions and the ban on demonstrations have made staying at home a powerful form of resistance. “Mnangagwa has taken control of the judiciary and shuts down Parliament at his own discretion,” he said. “Zimbabwe stands out as the only country where public demonstrations are effectively banned, so we have discovered that staying at home is one of the few powerful tools we still have to make our voices heard.”

“I am pleading with you to stay home,” Geza added. “I know it is hard considering we are leaving from hand to mouth. So fellow Zimbabweans we are staying away to force Mnangagwa to step down.”

The call for a shutdown adds to the mounting political uncertainty in Zimbabwe as divisions within the ruling party deepen. Observers suggest the unfolding events could signal a critical juncture in the country’s post-Mugabe era.

Geza’s mobilisation efforts have reportedly been gaining traction among disgruntled war veterans, unemployed youths, and civil servants frustrated by the rising cost of living, economic instability, and alleged political repression. Once a member of ZANU-PF’s Central Committee, Geza has since become a fierce critic of Mnangagwa’s leadership following his expulsion from the party. Despite facing multiple criminal charges and remaining in hiding, he continues to rally support online and through underground networks.

In response to these calls for protests and demonstrations, President Mnangagwa used his 45th Independence Day speech in Nembudziya, Gokwe, to urge Zimbabweans to remain vigilant and patriotic. He cautioned against being misled by what he termed “shadowy elements with dubious opportunistic agendas.”

“All patriotic Zimbabweans are reminded of the need to guard against the dangers of social media, which is increasingly being used as a tool to cause discord and raise false alarms,” the President stated. “I commend you, my dear fellow compatriots, both at home and abroad, for remaining vigilant, patriotic and steadfast, never allowing ourselves to be misled by shadowy elements with dubious opportunistic agendas. Ngatirambe takabatana, tichivaka nyika yedu. Tose tine mutoro wekushandira Zimbabwe. Ngatizivikanwe kuti takashandira dunhu kana nyika yekwedu, nekubatanidza vanhu (Let’s remain united. We have the onus to work towards the success of Zimbabwe. Let us be remembered for contributing towards the country’s success and uniting its people).”

Mnangagwa emphasised that all Zimbabweans have a duty to protect the country from “elements, both within and outside our borders, who want the regression of our national development course.” He also saluted the security services “for their loyalty, patriotism and unflinchingly defending our country, sovereignty; territorial integrity; and hard-won independence.”

Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere, also President Mnangagwa’s government’s official spokesperson, stated that while “social media terrorists” were determined to demonise the country and disturb the prevailing peace, the Government remained focused on national development. He further asserted that the days of “renegade and rogue” war veteran Blessed Geza and other “cyber terrorists” were numbered.

Last month, a total of 98 suspects were arrested for allegedly participating in the flash March 31 protests in Harare, which were violently dispersed by police. Only three have been released on bail, highlighting the government’s firm stance against public demonstrations.

Security authorities are reportedly on high alert as calls for mass protests grow. Although the government has downplayed the planned shutdown, there are signs of anxiety within official circles, with reports of increased police presence in urban centres. The coming days will be crucial in determining the extent of the shutdown’s impact and the government’s response to this latest challenge to its authority.

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