Bulawayo – As tensions rise ahead of planned anti-government protests on March 31st, the home of a leading war veterans faction figure, Andreas Mathibela, was vandalised on Wednesday night. The attack comes amid a backdrop of increasing political unrest and warnings from both government and law enforcement.
Mathibela, a prominent leader within a faction of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA), was not present at his Killarney home in Bulawayo when the unknown assailants targeted his property. He and his family have been in hiding following reports that he was placed on a security watch-list for allegedly plotting the upcoming anti-government demonstrations.
This incident follows a similar attack last week on the farmhouse of outspoken war veteran Blessed “Bombshell” Geza in Sanyati. Geza, like Mathibela, is also in hiding, fearing retribution for his vocal opposition to the current administration.
Adding to the sense of escalating political intimidation, Zanu PF member Gifford Gomwe’s vehicle and house in Zvimba, Mashonaland West province, were also vandalised in a single night last week.
Mathibela confirmed the attack on his home, stating, “It’s obviously an attempt to intimidate me over the planned March 31 protests.” He added, “The protests are a democratic right.” He is yet to quantify the extent of the damage and has reported the matter to the police through associates and family members.
Last week, Zanu PF director of information Farai Marapira denied any involvement by the ruling party in the attacks on Gomwe and Geza’s properties.
In a statement issued earlier this week, Mathibela called on Mnangagwa to resign, further escalating the war of words.
“We call on Parliament to immediately move to impeach Emmerson Mnangagwa, as provided for under section 97 of the Constitution. The threshold has been passed. Delay is complicity,” he asserted.
Mathibela also appealed to members of the security forces, stating, “We remind our comrades in uniform that their loyalty lies not with individuals but with the people of Zimbabwe and the Constitution that governs us all.”
He concluded his statement with a call to action: “We call on every citizen — young and old, rural and urban — to rise in peaceful and constitutional defence of Zimbabwe’s sovereignty.”
On Wednesday night, Geza continued to rally Zimbabweans to take to the streets on Monday to demand Mnangagwa’s resignation.
Despite the President’s confident pronouncements, there is palpable panic within government circles as the March 31st protest date approaches.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi announced that law enforcement agents have been deployed across the country to maintain law and order.
“The law will definitely take its course against individuals and groups who seek to undermine peace and security in the country including those using social media to cause alarm and despondency among Zimbabweans,” Nyathi warned.
He urged the public to co-operate with the deployed police officers and report anyone inciting violence or interfering with traffic flow.
Officer Commanding Police Harare district Superintendent Michael Masvivi has issued a ban on the carrying of traditional weapons within his area of jurisdiction.
“Therefore, we are prohibiting the carrying of catapults, machetes, axes, knobkerries, swords, knives or daggers, as well as any traditional weapons that could be used to cause harm or public disorder,” Masvivi stated.
He warned that anyone found in violation of this prohibition will face a fine or imprisonment.
The current political climate in Zimbabwe is reminiscent of the events leading up to the late former President Robert Mugabe’s forced resignation in a November 2017 coup.
A Twitter user, @Chimhamha, expressed concern over Mathibela’s situation, writing: “After declaring him a ‘person of security interest’ by the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO), and restricting him from leaving Zimbabwe. Look at what happened to his property now. Andreas Ethan Mathibela, leader of a faction of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA), Oh cry my beloved Zimbabwe 
His crime was to speak against corruption and mismanagement of our country.”
After declaring him a “person of security interest” by the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO), and restricting him from leaving Zimbabwe. Look at what happened to his property now. Andreas Ethan Mathibela, leader of a faction of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans… pic.twitter.com/twL4TujSO5
— Chimhamha (@ChimhamhaZw) March 27, 2025
As Zimbabwe approaches March 31st, the stage is set for a potentially volatile confrontation between anti-government protestors and state security forces.