Cities and towns across Zimbabwe were bustling with normal activity on Friday as citizens largely ignored calls by war veteran Blessed Geza to join nationwide protests against President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) maintained a heavy presence at key sites such as Africa Unity Square and Robert Mugabe Square (commonly known as Freedom Square), which had been identified as protest gathering points.
In a last-ditch attempt to revive the demonstrations, Geza urged Zimbabweans to defy the police deployment and take to the streets, insisting that the officers were there to ensure their safety.
Related Stories
“We are our own liberators. Everyone must take part in the demonstrations to force Mnangagwa and Zvigananda out of office. The police will protect you, no one will be arrested. Do not be afraid of them; they are doing their job,” Geza said.
Geza’s call for a national shutdown was aimed at expressing public frustration with what he described as a government captured by powerful businessmen — Wicknell Chivayo, Pedzisai “Scott” Sakupwanya, and Kudakwashe Tagwirei. He also voiced opposition to Zanu PF’s alleged plans to extend Mnangagwa’s rule beyond the constitutional two-term limit ending in 2028.
Encouraging persistence, Geza urged citizens not to abandon the protests until the president stepped down.
“No one should leave the streets until Mnangagwa resigns. Don’t lose hope our plan is progressing. The start may have been slow, but everything is going as expected,” he claimed.
Leave Comments