Government deploys heavy anti-riot police across the country as Cde Bombshell Blessed Geza organises 31 March nationwide protests

Harare – Zimbabwe is on edge as the government responds to calls for mass demonstrations on March 31st, spearheaded by war veteran and former Zanu-PF central committee member Blessed Geza, also known as “Bombshell”.

In a move indicating the seriousness with which it is treating the situation, the government has deployed anti-riot police nationwide to thwart any potential uprising.

Geza, who has since gone into hiding, has accused President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration of alleged corruption and economic mismanagement, which he claims have plunged Zimbabwe into poverty and despair.

“We cannot remain silent while our country is looted and our people suffer,” Geza said during his social media address. The March 31 protests are a peaceful call for accountability and change. We demand that Mnangagwa and his administration step up or step aside,” he said.

Geza recently took to social media platforms, posting videos from an undisclosed location calling for demonstrations against alleged government incompetence and corruption.

However, his calls have been dismissed by government with Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services minister Jenfan Muswere calling on Zimbabweans to ignore Geza’s calls, but the authorities are clearly taking no chances.

Muswere has warned that government will not tolerate any form of unrest in Zimbabwe, a statement that has raised fears of a repeat of past crackdowns on protests, which have resulted in violence and loss of human life.

Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has indefinitely cancelled all leave and off days for its members and recalled those currently on vacation. This drastic measure comes in response to calls for mass protests on March 31st, spearheaded by expelled Zanu-PF central committee member, Blessed Geza, also known as “Bombshell.”

The directive, confirmed by sources within the ZRP, mandates that all police officers suspend applications for leave and return to duty immediately, ensuring adequate manpower to bolster security measures and maintain law and order across the country.

The decision to cancel leave and recall officers underscores the gravity of the situation, with police officers expressing concerns about potential instability in the lead-up to March 31st.

“I was recalled from leave yesterday and told to report for duty immediately,” said a junior officer based in Harare, speaking on condition of anonymity. “We have been instructed to be on high alert and to prepare for any eventuality.”

Another police officer echoed these sentiments, stating, “Our superiors have made it clear that maintaining law and order is our top priority, and we must do everything necessary to prevent any unrest or violence. We are expecting a potentially unstable situation, ahead of March 31 and we need all hands on deck to ensure public safety.”

National police spokesperson Paul Nyathi declined to comment on the matter, citing travel commitments.

Sources in the security sector revealed to NewsDay that there will be an increase in police presence in high-density suburbs and other hotspots across towns and cities. The sources said the military was also on high alert ahead of the planned demonstrations.

Asked on the security situation in the country, police national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the police and government would issue statements soon.

“May you please wait for the appropriate statements from government structures and the police soon,” he said.

Nyathi has previously urged Zimbabweans to abide by the law.

“We want to remind the public that any form of protest must be conducted within the confines of the law. We will not tolerate any acts of violence, destruction of property or disruption of peace,” Nyathi told NewsDay.

“Those who incite violence or participate in illegal activities will face the full wrath of the law. We urge citizens to remain peaceful and not to be misled by individuals.”

The Zimbabwe Defence Forces reacted to Geza’s decision to wear military fatigue during the recording his videos by barring people from donning the garb and urging them not to abuse social media platforms.

Church leaders across the country have issued a heartfelt plea for peace and calm as the nation braces for the March 31 planned demonstrations.

Evangelical Fellowship Pastor Brighton Dengu called on all parties to exercise restraint and prioritise dialogue over violence.

“We call upon all Zimbabweans to remain peaceful and to seek constructive ways to address their grievances,” he said. “Violence and repression will only deepen the divisions in our nation.”

Dengu appealed to government to respect citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.

“The voices of the people must be heard, not silenced. We urge the authorities to engage in meaningful dialogue with those who feel marginalised and to address the root causes of their discontent,” he said.

With tensions running high, many Zimbabweans are hoping for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.