By Munacho Gwamanda-ZANU-PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa on Thursday struggled to dismiss threats by outspoken war veteran Blessing Geza, who has called on President Emmerson Mnangagwa to resign or face a coup—confirming that the president and his inner circle are now in panic mode.
Addressing the media at the ZANU-PF headquarters, Mutsvangwa, known for his fiery outbursts when denying factionalism within the ruling party, attempted to downplay Geza’s challenge.
All he could muster was a dismissive remark: “Geza is being used by fools.”
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, his 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 at this point will be a declaration of war in this country. Let me repeat: you have unleashed violence for no offense,” a spokesperson for Geza’s group declared.
Political analysts and Geza’s supporters argue that the accusations are a desperate ploy to silence one of Mnangagwa’s fiercest critics as the battle for power within ZANU-PF escalates.
“This is a classic Mnangagwa regime tactic—using law enforcement to muzzle 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 controversial push for an unconstitutional third term.
He has also accused Mnangagwa 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 rifts within ZANU-PF, with factions now openly voicing their 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 increasingly on edge.
“The president got the message loud and clear. He is panicking, and so is his family. His sons have been placed under heightened state security amid fears of potential moves against them,” a senior government source revealed.