By A Correspondent
The callous comments by Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, during a recent civil servants meeting in Masvingo have raised concerns across the nation.
Garwe not only threatened action against war veteran Blessing Geza but also endorsed U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial plan to deport Zimbabweans living in the United States.
Addressing civil servants and ZANU PF supporters at Masvingo Polytechnic on Thursday, Garwe began by discussing Geza, who last week made headlines with a press conference attacking government officials, including President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Garwe took aim at Geza, saying, “Blessing Geza ndiBhoki, saka takurova Bhoki tiwone kuti akatumwa nani. Pane akatuma Bhoki kuti ataure zvisina basa,” meaning “Blessing Geza is a puppet, so we will deal with him and see who sent him. Someone is controlling him to speak nonsense.”
While Geza refrained from naming the individuals behind his comments, Garwe was clear in his assertion that Geza was not acting independently. “Geza is being controlled by a master, and he is going to be jailed over corruption,” Garwe continued, hinting at the possibility of legal repercussions for the war veteran.
In a surprising turn, Garwe also took the opportunity to comment on U.S. immigration policy, praising President Trump’s move to deport 504 Zimbabweans believed to be “illegally staying” in the United States.
“Let them come back home,” Garwe declared, adding that these individuals had been actively attacking Mnangagwa on social media. His words sparked alarm, with critics labeling the minister’s comments as both callous and politically charged.
Garwe’s statements have been met with concern by many, with some questioning the ethics of using the deportation issue to target political adversaries. The minister’s rhetoric, especially regarding the deportation of Zimbabweans, seems to blur the lines between domestic politics and international relations, raising further questions about the priorities of the government.