POLICE– Tension gripped the nation on Thursday night and into Friday morning as President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government deployed heavily armed riot police, water cannon trucks, and intelligence operatives across Harare and other major cities to thwart a planned national shutdown called by former Zanu PF Central Committee member and liberation war veteran, Blessed Geza.
Geza, once a staunch ally of Mnangagwa, has transformed into one of his fiercest critics following his expulsion from the ruling party earlier this year. He accused the president of corruption, authoritarianism, and betraying the ideals of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle. His latest initiative — a mass demonstration dubbed “The Final Push” — has sent shockwaves through government corridors, rekindling memories of the violent January 2019 protests that left dozens dead and paralyzed the economy.
Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi issued a statement late Thursday urging citizens to ignore Geza’s calls and assuring them that law enforcement was fully prepared to maintain peace and order.
“The public must go about their duties as usual,” said Comm. Nyathi. “All essential services such as schools, public transport, businesses, and government institutions will continue to operate smoothly. Law enforcement agents have been deployed nationwide to guarantee safety and stability. The public must not be intimidated by social media misinformation.”
By dawn, the scale of the deployment was unmistakable. Armoured vehicles and police trucks were stationed at key intersections in central Harare, including Africa Unity Square, Robert Mugabe Road, Nelson Mandela Avenue, and the vicinity of State House. Armed officers patrolled shopping centres and transport terminals, while others manned roadblocks leading into the city.
Similar scenes unfolded in Bulawayo, Mutare, Gweru, and Masvingo, where anti-riot units were seen patrolling high-density suburbs. In some areas, plainclothes intelligence officers mingled with commuters, monitoring public sentiment and potential flashpoints.
Despite the heavy police presence, Geza remained defiant. In a fiery message shared online earlier in the week, he called on citizens to take to the streets to “reclaim their dignity” from what he described as a corrupt and oppressive regime.
Panic Grips Government as Police Flood Harare Ahead of Geza’s Planned National Shutdown
“The moment we have been yearning for is upon us,” he declared. “On 17 October 2025, we will flood the streets of Harare and other cities to demand the removal of Emmerson from power. Zimbabwe cannot afford another day under his rule.”
Geza, a decorated liberation war veteran and former senior Zanu PF figure, gained national prominence in 2023 when he publicly accused Mnangagwa’s administration of “betraying the revolution.” He alleged that the ruling elite had captured the state, enriched themselves through looting, and used the security apparatus to suppress dissent.
After being sidelined from party structures, Geza began mobilizing through digital platforms, earning growing support from frustrated citizens, civil servants, and war veterans who feel alienated by the current leadership. His insider credentials have made him an unexpected but potent opposition voice.
In his manifesto, Geza invoked constitutional provisions guaranteeing freedom of assembly and peaceful protest, urging the police and army not to act against citizens exercising their democratic rights.
His list of demands includes:
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An end to corruption and state capture;
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The arrest and prosecution of politically connected business figures;
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The restoration of constitutional order; and
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Mnangagwa’s immediate resignation.
He also outlined a protest roadmap, calling for citizens to converge at Africa Unity Square before marching toward the homes of alleged corrupt elites, then proceeding to State House to demand the president’s departure. “We will remain on the streets until Emmerson is removed from power,” Geza vowed.
Political analysts believe the government’s reaction reveals deep anxiety over rising public discontent amid economic decline, soaring inflation, and factional battles within Zanu PF itself.
“Mnangagwa’s administration is clearly jittery,” said political analyst Dr. Maxwell Saungweme. “The deployment of riot police and intelligence units across the country shows that the state fears a potential uprising. Geza’s war credentials and insider knowledge make him a unique threat — someone who can potentially resonate with both ordinary citizens and elements of the security establishment.”
Though the streets of Harare remained mostly calm by mid-morning, the atmosphere was tense. Roadblocks dotted major highways, drones hovered over the CBD, and police units conducted random searches of vehicles and pedestrians. Businesses operated cautiously, while many workers opted to stay home amid uncertainty.
The opposition and civil society groups have condemned the state’s pre-emptive clampdown, accusing authorities of weaponizing security forces to silence dissent. “Peaceful protest is a constitutional right,” said a statement from the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum. “Deploying armed police against unarmed citizens is a gross abuse of power.”
As of Friday afternoon, no large gatherings had materialized, but the heavy police presence across the country underscored the government’s nervousness. For now, Geza’s “Final Push” appears contained — yet the palpable tension in the streets suggests that Zimbabwe’s political crisis is far from over.
Source-ZimEye
