Harare – As an indefinite national shutdown called by war veteran Blessed “Bombshell” Geza commences today, police have announced a nationwide deployment to ensure public safety and freedom to engage in socio-economic activities without intimidation. Meanwhile, the Public Service Commission (PSC) has issued a stern warning to civil servants, threatening severe consequences for those who fail to report for duty.
In a statement released yesterday, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi affirmed the police’s readiness to maintain law and order throughout the country. Officers have been deployed in central business districts, residential areas, industrial zones, and other public spaces.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that it is ready to conduct its constitutional mandate without fear or favour. Any instigators of violence and disruption of the normal operation of the economy will be severely dealt with,” Nyathi said.
He also cautioned the public against misusing social media and urged them to disregard posts intended to incite chaos and alarm. Commissioner Nyathi assured all local and foreign exhibitors attending the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair of their security and safety.
Geza has instructed workers, teachers, transport operators, vendors, and business owners to remain at home “until the regime collapses.”
On the other hand, the Public Service Commission (PSC) has issued a strong warning to civil servants, threatening dire measures against those who participate in the stayaway. The PSC said any failure to report for work on Tuesday and Wednesday “constitutes a dereliction of duty and an act of insubordination.”
“The Public Service Commission (PSC) notes with concern recent incitements circulating on various platforms, encouraging Public Servants and other citizens to stay away from work or abstain from regular activities on 22 and 23 April 2025,” the PSC said in a statement released on Monday.
“The Commission is confident that Public Servants, who are committed, disciplined, and fully aware of their responsibilities, will not be misled by such reckless and disruptive incitements.”
Geza, a former Zanu PF central committee member, has been using YouTube to disseminate his message. In a recent address, he called for a national stayaway, claiming it was part of a strategy to force Mnangagwa out of power. He alleges that Mnangagwa is suffering from “vascular dementia” and is no longer fit to serve as President. Geza also accuses Mnangagwa of sponsoring high-level corruption and attempting to violate the constitution to secure an unpopular third term.
Geza, whose previous call for an uprising on March 31 yielded limited public response, has dubbed the stayaway “the final push” against the 82-year-old leader.
The PSC has firmly stated that any unsanctioned absenteeism from work by government employees will be considered a dereliction of duty.
“Public Servants are reminded that their core mandate is to serve the people of Zimbabwe faithfully, diligently, and without interruption,” the PSC said. “The work carried out by the Public Service is vital to the delivery of essential services and the advancement of our national development aspirations, as outlined in Vision 2030.”
The PSC emphasised that participation in any stayaway that disrupts service delivery is unpatriotic, undermines national unity, damages the economy, and hinders the nation’s progress. The Commission has vowed not to tolerate any conduct that threatens the stability and functionality of public institutions.
“Participation in any stay-away that disrupts service delivery constitutes a dereliction of duty and an act of insubordination. Such actions are unpatriotic, undermine national unity, damage the economy, and hinder the collective progress of the nation. The Public Service Commission will not tolerate any conduct that threatens the stability and functionality of public institutions,” the PSC said.
The government employer has insisted that “Tuesday, 22 April 2025, and Wednesday, 23 April 2025, are normal working days.”
“All Public Servants, except those on duly authorised leave, are expected to report for duty at their designated workstations, observe normal working hours, and, where necessary, work beyond official hours in fulfilment of their duties,” the PSC said.
Accounting Officers have been instructed to ensure that attendance registers are completed for all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, including devolved structures. Commission Inspectors will collect these registers daily to enforce Public Service regulations without delay.
“Accounting Officers are hereby instructed to ensure that attendance registers are completed for their Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, including devolved structures. Commission Inspectors will collect these registers at the usual time each day for purposes of enforcing appropriate Public Service regulations without delay.”
The PSC has expressed its expectation that all Public Servants will continue to discharge their responsibilities with commitment, professionalism, and loyalty to the Republic of Zimbabwe.
“The Commission expects all Public Servants to continue discharging their responsibilities with characteristic commitment, professionalism, and loyalty to the Republic of Zimbabwe. Together, let us uphold the dignity of the Public Service and contribute meaningfully towards building a prosperous, resilient, and united Zimbabwe.”
The effectiveness of Geza’s call for an indefinite shutdown remains uncertain. However, the government’s response, characterised by police deployments and threats against civil servants, highlights the potential for disruption and the heightened tensions within the country.
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