Harare – The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has announced it is seeking to question Blessed Runesu Geza, the outspoken war veteran and expelled Zanu-PF Central Committee member, who has become a vocal critic of President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his administration. Geza, known for his opposition to the “2030 agenda,” faces a raft of criminal charges, including vehicle theft, undermining the authority of the President, and inciting public violence.
Geza has also directed criticism towards First Lady Auxilia Mnangagwa, accusing her of misusing state resources on what he considers unnecessary tours around the country.
Commissioner Paul Nyathi, the police spokesperson, issued a statement on Wednesday confirming the charges against Geza. “Theft allegations as defined in Section 113 of the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act, Chapter 9: 23. The suspect stole and disposed of three vehicles belonging to a complainant without his consent,” Nyathi stated.
“He is also facing two counts of contravening Section 33 (2) (a) (ii) of the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act, Chapter 9: 23, ‘Undermining the Authority of or Insulting the President,'” Nyathi’s statement continued.
Commissioner Nyathi further alleged that Geza had incited the public to commit violence, violating the Criminal Code and Reform Act. “One count of contravening Section 187 of the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act, Chapter 9:23, ‘Incitement to commit public violence,” Nyathi said.
In a chilling warning, Nyathi also stated that anyone found harbouring Geza or assisting him in evading police questioning would be equally liable for arrest and prosecution. “The Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that anyone who is harbouring the suspect or assisting him to evade police questioning will be equally liable for arrest and subsequent prosecution.”
Geza has gained prominence this year after launching a campaign against Mnangagwa’s perceived bid to stay in power beyond 2028, when the President’s two-term limit expires. Geza is advocating for Vice President Chiwenga to take over the reins.
His outspoken opposition to Mnangagwa’s “ED2030” mantra has drawn the ire of the state, resulting in the criminal charges against him. Some observers view Geza’s prosecution as victimisation of a man who has bravely challenged Mnangagwa’s unpopular attempts to remain in office.
Geza’s most recent press conference on Monday saw him urging Zimbabweans to prepare for a national shutdown as calls for Mnangagwa’s resignation grow louder. “We implore you to resign peacefully. If you don’t resign in peace, people will use the constitution to exercise their right to push you out of office,” Geza said. He also warned the police that if they dared to beat or shoot demonstrators protesting against Mnangagwa, the public would hold them accountable in their own neighbourhoods.
Constitutional experts, such as Professor Lovemore Madhuku, have long maintained that a term extension is legally impossible. While Mnangagwa himself has publicly pledged to step down at the end of his term in 2028, critics remain wary, suggesting that this is simply a tactic to create a false impression. They point to his continued silence on the matter, and his failure to rebuke those who advocate for a term extension, as further evidence of his true intentions.
Geza, a former Zanla ex-combatant, has even issued a 10-day ultimatum to Mnangagwa to resign or face unspecified action, although he later denied being behind the social media account that posted the threat. He has also declared that he will occupy the State House against all odds, adding that the “real drama” is about to unfold against Mnangagwa’s “machinations,” indicating his involvement in a broader political effort to remove the President.
The war veteran’s defiance has raised concerns about growing dissent within Zanu-PF and the potential for unrest in Zimbabwe, which is already grappling with renewed political instability over Mnangagwa’s third term ambitions and perceived governance failures.
While Zanu-PF claims to have expelled Geza for his remarks, which the party deemed as disciplinary offences, some war veterans insist they will never abandon the party because Mnangagwa was not even in the trenches with them at the height of the liberation war as he was not a combatant, having previously been a militarily trained activist and living in Zambia during the struggle.
Despite facing pressure from Mnangagwa’s allies, Geza remains undeterred, maintaining that his goal is to remove the President for the benefit of all Zimbabweans, not just a faction within the party.
Mnangagwa, who has been a key figure in Zimbabwe’s political landscape since the 1980s, faces a potentially explosive and disastrous end to his long career, which is characterised by authoritarian practices and a history of violence. His government has been accused of suppressing opposition, restricting civil liberties, and perpetuating corruption.
Geza and other war veterans have openly accused his government of economic mismanagement, nepotism, cronyism, and looting. The international community has also expressed concern over Mnangagwa’s leadership and human rights record, leading to sanctions from the US and Britain.
Mnangagwa currently faces two major political threats: a restless population and elite fragmentation within Zanu-PF. How he resolves these challenges will depend on the volatile political environment and the positions of key power brokers, including the army, war veterans, and ultimately, the people.
