By Munacho Gwamanda- Fears of a military coup are mounting in Zimbabwe following the dismissal of Zanu PF Central Committee member and outspoken war veteran Blessed Runesu Geza from the ruling party on Thursday.
The decision, announced after a crisis meeting of the Zanu PF Politburo, marks a dramatic escalation in political tensions amid growing discontent within the party and the security establishment.
Geza, a fierce internal critic of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, has repeatedly called for his resignation, accusing him of rampant corruption, economic mismanagement, and betrayal of the liberation struggle.
His expulsion has sparked speculation of deepening fissures within the ruling party and the possibility of a military intervention similar to the 2017 coup that ousted Robert Mugabe.
Zanu PF’s legal affairs secretary, Patrick Chinamasa, confirmed Geza’s expulsion, stating:
“The Politburo endorsed the recommendation from the National Disciplinary Committee that Blessed Geza should be expelled from Zanu PF with immediate effect. As you are aware, he was a member of the Central Committee, which comes with even greater responsibilities in ensuring the unity and success of the party. He was also a war veteran, and we expected better from him.”
Chinamasa added that Geza had failed to heed warnings regarding his public statements, which he described as reckless and damaging to the party’s unity.
“He didn’t pay heed for whatever reason, and of course, we have taken a decision that he be expelled from Zanu PF.”
Geza is reportedly in hiding following multiple charges laid against him by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), including theft, undermining the authority of the President, and incitement to commit public violence.
For months, Geza has been at the forefront of a growing internal rebellion against Mnangagwa.
He has accused the President of looting state resources, enriching his inner circle at the expense of war veterans and ordinary Zimbabweans, and failing to address the country’s economic collapse.
His fiery speeches have gained traction among disgruntled Zanu PF members, including those within the military, some of whom are said to be unhappy with Mnangagwa’s governance.
His expulsion comes barely a week after military tanks were spotted patrolling parts of Harare, raising fears of another coup.
The government claimed the tanks were part of routine training exercises, but sources within the security sector suggest growing unease within the armed forces over Mnangagwa’s leadership.
The current crisis bears striking similarities to the events leading to the November 2017 coup that toppled long-time ruler Robert Mugabe.
Back then, Mnangagwa—who was Vice President—was dismissed by Mugabe amid factional battles within Zanu PF.
The military, led by then-General Constantino Chiwenga, moved swiftly to seize control, citing the need to protect the revolution and remove “criminal elements” surrounding Mugabe.
Mnangagwa, who had fled to South Africa after his dismissal, returned triumphantly to assume power with military backing.