Harare – In a dramatic move, the Zimbabwean government has recalled all security forces from leave and placed them on “100% standby for a five-minute move” just hours before today’s planned protests.
The demonstrations, spearheaded by expelled Zanu-PF central committee member and war veteran Blessed “Bombshell” Geza, are aimed at President Emmerson Mnangagwa, with protesters demanding the 82-year-old leader’s resignation over allegations of corruption, tribalism, and economic mismanagement.
Sources within the military told NewsDay that soldiers were given a strict deadline of 9am yesterday to report for duty after being recalled via phone calls. The order to return to base came with the instruction that they be ready to deploy within five minutes of receiving a call.
“This means that everyone will be on duty and ready to react within five minutes if there is a call,” a source said.
“Several officers, who were on leave, were this morning called and ordered to report for duty. Some had ignored the calls which were made about a fortnight ago. But today (yesterday) everyone has been ordered to cut short their leave and report for duty.”
Motorists have reported significant delays and disruptions to traffic flow as a result of the increased roadblocks. At some locations, traffic queues stretched for over a kilometre, leaving commuters frustrated.
Adding to the tension, reports have emerged that security forces received an advance salary, with police officers allegedly receiving US$50 and soldiers receiving US$100.
Despite the heightened security presence, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi has urged the public to carry on with their daily activities.
“Members of the public should ignore social media messages that are being circulated because some of them border on criminality,” Nyathi said. “Police are investigating and action will be taken against those identified. We urge members of the public to continue with their day-to-day activities because the police are there to ensure that peace in maintained. Law and order security is there, so, people are free to go about their activities without any interference and intimidation. If members of the public have concerns, they are free to address them to the commissioner-general of the police.”
Over the weekend, government ministers and police officers held a series of press conferences, warning citizens against participating in the planned protests. They maintained that the demonstration was unauthorised and would be met with force, urging the public to remain calm and go about their business as usual.
Home Affairs minister Kazembe Kazembe went as far as describing the protest as “acts of terrorism.”
“The government of Zimbabwe unreservedly denounces acts of terrorism and violence which unruly elements, supported by a fringe group living outside the country, intend to perpetrate on individuals and properties thereby threatening the safety of the general public,” Kazembe said in his address. “The country’s security services firmly stand on the side of law and order and will not hesitate to take decisive action.”
Meanwhile, Minister of State for National Security, Lovemore Matuke, addressing citizens in Gutu South yesterday, warned against any actions threatening public order and potential disruptions by agitators, emphasising that protecting citizens’ safety remained the Government’s top priority, with all necessary measures implemented to ensure communities remained secure and daily activities continue uninterrupted.
“I want to assure every citizen that your security is our top priority. Comprehensive measures are in place to safeguard our society. Our security forces are well-prepared to handle any potential disruptions while ensuring that people going about their daily business are respected and protected,” said Minister Matuke.
While acknowledging citizens’ right to lawful protest, the minister firmly opposed any actions endangering public safety.
“In the spirit of promoting calm and resilience, I encourage all citizens to continue with their daily business as usual. There is no need for undue anxiety or panic,” he said. “We must collectively focus on our national priorities that enhance welfare and progress, rather than be distracted by rogue elements.”
The minister warned that security forces would respond decisively to any threats posed by malcontents.
“Our security apparatus is equipped to handle the situation, and anyone attempting to incite violence or chaos will be dealt with swiftly and decisively. We call upon every citizen to show restraint.”
On Saturday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere said Zimbabweans should go about their business as usual as law enforcement agents will be vigilant and on high alert to guarantee security and ensure peace across the country.
“As official Government spokesman, I would like to assure the nation that peace and stability will continue to prevail in our country in terms of the Constitution, including on the 31st March 2025, and all Zimbabweans should disregard misinformation and disinformation being peddled on social media platforms by cyber terrorists,” said Dr Muswere.
“We also like to assure the people that law-enforcement agencies have more than enough capacity to deal with any illegal activities that might take place in our country. As a Government, we have taken note of artificial intelligence-generated videos and messages from comedian-cum-terrorists who seek to misinform and dis-inform the public. Those who want to create despondency, alarm and anarchy will be dealt with in terms of the law. No one has the right to overthrow a constitutionally elected Government.”
Last Thursday, the Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Kazembe Kazembe, said security services were on high alert to ensure the safety and security of the public and everyone, including visitors to the country, should feel secure and continue engaging in their socio-economic activities.
Yesterday, police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi also assured the nation that it will be business as usual across the country today.
“The police have made adequate deployments throughout the country. Those using public transport or private vehicles should not fear. Businesses and schools should operate normally.”
Despite Geza’s calls for action, there is widespread scepticism among ordinary citizens about participating in the protests, with many fearing violent clashes between protesters and security forces.
Tension has been palpable in the lead-up to the planned demonstrations. Last week, vehicles were torched at premises or offices owned by former central bank governor John Mangudya, businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei, and tenderpreneur Wicknell Chivayo, in what Geza described as a signal of what was to come.
The ruling Zanu-PF party has vowed to thwart the protest, which it claims is intended to destabilise the country.
“Your Excellency, no demonstration will take place. We will not be swayed and frightened by social media,” the party’s deputy secretary for youth affairs John Paradza said at the launch of the youth empowerment fund in Harare about a fortnight ago.
