Police back down after summoning journalist Blessed Mhlanga as rumours say Cde Bombshell Geza is hiding at KG6 barracks

HARARE – The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has withdrawn its summons against Heart and Soul TV (HSTV) journalist Blessed Mhlanga, just hours after the journalist reported a concerning visit to his offices by armed men.

The incident, which occurred on 17 February 2025, saw three individuals armed with pistols reportedly arriving at Mhlanga’s Harare offices, seeking him out.

Mhlanga took to the X platform (formerly Twitter) on the same day to express his unease, stating: “It’s not a laughing matter at all. Three persons armed with pistols came to my office this morning looking for me. They did not say why they needed me. Then minutes later, I got a call inviting me to Law and Order. I will be presenting myself to the police with my lawyers 2mrw (tomorrow).”

According to MISA Zimbabwe, Mhlanga’s lawyer, Chris Mhike, engaged with the police regarding the matter and was informed that the summons had been withdrawn.

The initial summons, issued earlier this month, had required Mhlanga to appear at Harare Central Police Station before the ZRP Law and Order Section. Concerned about the police’s intentions, Mhlanga attended the station accompanied by Mhike, who also serves as MISA Zimbabwe’s External Legal Counsel.

It was later revealed that the police wished to discuss the status of a six-year-old case involving former Deputy Finance Minister Terrence Mukupe.

The new summons followed Mhlanga’s interview with ZANU PF Central Committee member and war veteran Blessed Geza, who had been making critical remarks about President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

In the interview, Geza accused Mnangagwa of corruption, nepotism, tribalism, and failing to address the country’s economic challenges, while calling for his resignation. Geza is now facing multiple charges, including incitement to commit public violence, undermining the authority of President Mnangagwa, and alleged theft of three vehicles.

Adding fuel to the fire, unconfirmed reports are circulating that Blessed Geza, the prominent war veteran at the centre of the controversy, is currently in hiding at the Josiah Magama Tongogara Barracks, formerly known as KG6, in Harare.

HStv posted a statement on X on Saturday quoting Geza as saying that he was safe, not arrested, nor in hiding.

If the reports of Geza’s hiding at the Josiah Magama Tongogara Barracks are true, it would indicate that the army is providing him with protection, further highlighting the deepening factionalism within Zanu-PF.

This development suggests a deepening rift between the Army and Police, with the army allegedly backing Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, who is seen as the frontrunner to succeed President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

The police have launched a manhunt for Geza, warning that anyone harbouring or assisting him to evade questioning will be liable for arrest and prosecution. “The suspect is facing four counts of criminal charges as outlined: 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,” police spokesperson Commissioner Paul 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. One count of contravening Section 187 of the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act, Chapter 9: 23, ‘Incitement to commit public violence’.”

Addressing journalists in Harare on Thursday, Zanu-PF spokesperson Chris Mutsvangwa suggested that Geza was being used by certain people within the party.

“I have a lot of angst about the way he is being used by people who have a certain agenda. Comrade Geza, I do not know what other issues might be bothering you, but we, the war veterans, always remember… I wish he would not follow fools who are misleading him. I am deeply concerned about what is happening with him,” said Mutsvangwa.