Marshall Bwanya
Harare — Zanu PF Mashonaland East chairperson and minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, has hinted that war veteran Blessed Geza who is leading a campaign to remove President Emmerson Mnangagwa from power skipped the border and is now living in self-exile in South Africa.
He was addressing Zanu PF supporters in Harare’s Glen View South constituency as he campaigned for Tsitsi Tranquility Tawomhera on Wednesday.
Tawomhera is the Zanu PF candidate for the 12 April by-election following the death of Gladmore Hakata of Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), which is not fielding a candidate due to factional fights.
Geza’s whereabouts have been mired in mystery since he went underground after the Zimbabwean police launched an operation to arrest him on several charges that include undermining the authority of the president.
Geza recently called mass street protests to pressure Mnangagwa out of power, but the majority of Zimbabweans preferred to stay away on 31 March.
Garwe dared Geza to come out of hiding and stop his anti-Mnangagwa campaign.
“If you (Geza) prefer, stay in South Africa with (Saviour) Kasukuwere. Our president is Emmerson Mnangagwa.
“Geza, come out of your hiding place so we can talk face to face. I will make you wear an apology jersey for your rebellious utterances,” he said.
He was referring to an incident in late 2017 when a ruling Zanu PF youth, Kudzai Chipanga, appeared on television wearing a multi-coloured sweater and apologising for undermining the military that assisted Mnangagwa take over power from the late Robert Mugabe.
Kasukuwere, a former cabinet minister and Zanu PF national mobiliser or commissar, fled to South Africa after the 2017 power takeover and attempted to run against Mnangagwa during the 2023 presidential race but was disqualified on technicalities.
“Mnangagwa won the election (in 2023). Now in his second term, some people are already plotting (against him), saying they can’t wait for his term to end and are calling for demonstrations to remove him. What do you mean you can’t wait?” Garwe charged. Reaffirming Mnangagwa’s leadership, he warned against further dissent.
“There is no office without a leader. Mnangagwa is our president, whether they like it or not. Geza, let me warn you! Do not rebel against Zanu PF again. Fellow comrades, tell Geza that the time for rebels is over,” he said.
When Geza went into hiding, there was speculation that he had sought refuge at an army barracks in Harare.
Despite the widespread speculation, the army did not publicly dispute the claim.
This speculation was strengthened by the fact that, later, Geza appeared on social media wearing military combat fatigue, despite the fact that the army warned citizens against using its regalia or imitations.
He had earlier alleged that Mnangagwa knew where he was but was too afraid to come out and pluck him out.
On the day of the protests, Geza added to the confusion regarding his whereabouts when he claimed that he had been on the streets in Harare on 31 March.
Garwe used the by-election address in Glen View South to blast Geza, who he compared to a stray dog whose master would soon be exposed.
Geza has thrown his weight behind Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, who he seems to prefer to succeed Mnangagwa.
“Geza is Bhoki (a dog). Beat the dog, and the owner emerges. If you want to find out who a puppy’s mother is, just grab the puppy. She (the mother) will bark and charge at you,” Garwe declared.
He warned that Geza would soon face the consequences of his actions.
“Right now, we are in the season of dealing with Geza. Even if he calls for demonstrations, do not be misled. I want to thank you all for ignoring his call for protests,” he added.
Factionalism within Zanu PF continues to deepen amid the controversial push by Mnangagwa loyalists to extend his rule to 2030, an agenda critics argue is unconstitutional.
Mnangagwa has repeatedly dismissed claims that he intends to extend his term, but he has let his allies ratchet on with the 2030 Agenda that has fuelling divisions within the ruling party.