By Munacho Gwamanda-President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his family are reportedly in panic mode following a dramatic ultimatum issued this week by outspoken war veteran Blessing Geza, who demanded that the president resign immediately.
Geza, a former liberation war fighter and vocal critic of Mnangagwa’s leadership, has since gone into hiding after police announced on Wednesday that they were seeking his arrest on multiple charges.
According to a statement released by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) on February 12, 2025, Geza is wanted for alleged theft, undermining the authority of the president, and incitement to commit public violence.
However, Geza’s faction has dismissed the charges as politically motivated, warning that any attempt to arrest or assassinate him would be met with fierce resistance.
“Any arrest or assassination as of now will be a declaration of war in this country. I have to repeat again, you have placed violence for no offense,” a spokesperson for Geza’s group stated.
Political analysts and Geza’s supporters argue that the accusations are a ploy to silence one of Mnangagwa’s most vocal opponents ahead of an escalating power struggle within ZANU-PF.
“This is a classic Mnangagwa regime tactic—using law enforcement to silence those who expose corruption and demand accountability,” said a war veteran aligned with Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s camp.
Geza has been relentless in his criticism of Mnangagwa’s alleged misgovernance, corruption, and his push for an unconstitutional third term.
He has also accused the president of reneging on a supposed gentleman’s agreement with Chiwenga, under which power was expected to rotate after two terms.
Mnangagwa’s refusal to step down has deepened tensions within ZANU-PF, with factions now openly expressing discontent.
Calls for his resignation intensified after Chiwenga’s speech at the National Heroes Acre last week, where he delivered a thinly veiled attack on corrupt businessmen linked to Mnangagwa.
Chiwenga, a key figure in the 2017 coup that ousted Robert Mugabe, warned against individuals exploiting state resources for personal gain—a remark widely interpreted as targeting Mnangagwa’s close associates, including his sons and powerful business allies.
Sources within the security sector suggest that Mnangagwa and his inner circle are growing increasingly anxious.
“The president received the message loud and clear. He is now panicking, and so is his family. His sons have been placed under heightened state security as fears grow over potential moves against them,” a senior government source revealed.