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Zimbabwe: The Bombshell Signal! Geza Ropes in Chamisa, Sikhala As He Threatens March 31 Protests - allAfrica.com
Blessed “Bombshell” Geza delivering an online address in March 2025 while wearing military fatigues. Geza, a war veteran and former intelligence officer, has used social media broadcasts to call for protests against President Mnangagwa’s rule.
Background and Early Career
Blessed Runesu Geza, popularly known as “Cde Bombshell,” is a Zimbabwean war veteran and former member of the ruling ZANU-PF party’s Central Committee (Zimbabwean War Veteran Blessed Geza Calls for Nationwide Protests - allAfrica.com) (Zimbabwe: Bombshell! Zanu-PF Expels 'Treasonous' Geza Over Anti-2030 Crusade - allAfrica.com). He fought in the 1970s liberation war against white-minority rule and later served as an intelligence officer in the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) ( Police Detain Geza’s Wife For Questioning) (Chamisa Denies Links to Geza’s Anti-Mnangagwa Protests – The Zimbabwe Mail). For decades, Geza was a loyal ZANU-PF cadre embedded in the system. He only rose to public prominence in late 2024, when he dramatically broke ranks with the ruling establishment and launched outspoken criticisms of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s leadership.
Geza’s insider status lends weight to his criticisms. He was until recently considered part of ZANU-PF’s elite; his Central Committee position and war veteran credentials gave him high-level access (Zimbabwe: Bombshell! Zanu-PF Expels 'Treasonous' Geza Over Anti-2030 Crusade - allAfrica.com). This background has made his volte-face particularly startling in Zimbabwean politics – a case of a party stalwart turning into an anti-establishment voice. However, it also means Geza carries the baggage of the system he served. He has been implicated in past ZANU-PF campaigns against opposition activists, and he reportedly issued apologies for his role in violence against opposition supporters in the 2000s (Geza's selective apology fails to extend the same for Gukurahundi atrocities - Bulawayo24 News). Notably, Geza expressed “deep regret for the role he played in the torture, maiming, abduction, and killings that occurred in the aftermath of the [MDC’s] formation in 1999” (Geza's selective apology fails to extend the same for Gukurahundi atrocities - Bulawayo24 News). Critics point out that his contrition did not extend to earlier atrocities like the 1980s Gukurahundi massacres, which he conspicuously omitted from his apologies (Geza's selective apology fails to extend the same for Gukurahundi atrocities - Bulawayo24 News). This mix of credentials and controversies forms the backdrop to Geza’s later activism.
Emergence as an Activist and Public Statements
Geza’s transformation from party insider to dissident began to manifest in late 2024. In November 2024, he gave a series of explosive interviews and press statements that openly challenged President Mnangagwa. Speaking on independent media (such as the online Heart and Soul TV), Geza demanded Mnangagwa’s resignation, accusing him of rampant nepotism, corruption, and economic mismanagement (Zimbabwean journalist Blessed Mhlanga jailed over interviews with war veteran - Committee to Protect Journalists). These interviews were unprecedented for a ZANU-PF member – Geza bluntly stated that Mnangagwa had “forgotten the people and only remembered his family” once in power (News Sniffer). He apologized for having helped Mnangagwa ascend to the presidency in the 2017 coup, saying “I must apologise for helping him come into office” (News Sniffer).
In early 2025, Geza escalated his public denunciations through a series of press conferences and social media videos that earned him the moniker “Bombshell.” In these addresses – often laced with blunt and harsh language – the gritty-voiced war veteran railed against the 82-year-old Mnangagwa, repeatedly calling on him to step down or “face being removed” (News Sniffer). Geza decried what he described as Mnangagwa’s betrayal of the liberation ideals, accusing the president of corruption and dynastic ambitions: “Mnangagwa has…surrendered state power to his wife and children. We can’t allow that to happen.” (News Sniffer) He was particularly incensed by moves within ZANU-PF to amend laws so Mnangagwa could seek a third term beyond the constitutional two-term limit (which ends in 2028). Geza condemned this “Agenda 2030” plan as an unconstitutional power grab, vowing to oppose any extension of Mnangagwa’s rule (News Sniffer) (Zimbabwe: Bombshell! Zanu-PF Expels 'Treasonous' Geza Over Anti-2030 Crusade - allAfrica.com).
Beyond attacking Mnangagwa in general, Geza also used his platforms to name and shame specific officials he deemed corrupt or complicit. In one video, he unleashed a scathing tirade against Zimbabwe’s Chief Justice Luke Malaba, even “ordering” him to release a jailed journalist who had aired Geza’s statements (Zimbabwean War Veteran Blessed Geza Calls for Nationwide Protests - allAfrica.com). He also called out business oligarchs aligned with the regime – for example, accusing fuel and mining magnate Kudakwashe Tagwirei (a close Mnangagwa ally) of “monopolising key sectors” of the economy to the nation’s detriment (Zimbabwean War Veteran Blessed Geza Calls for Nationwide Protests - allAfrica.com). Geza painted a picture of a country hijacked by a corrupt cabal, vowing to “flush out” what he termed “zvigananda” (local slang for looters or corrupt elites). These fiery accusations – essentially a “bombshell” exposé of the ruling circle’s misdeeds – were central to Geza’s appeal as a truth-telling whistleblower figure.
In his public speeches, Geza often invoked his liberation-war credentials to bolster his moral authority. He reminded fellow veterans and citizens that Zimbabwe’s freedom fighters ousted Robert Mugabe in 2017 by withdrawing support – and hinted Mnangagwa could face a similar fate (News Sniffer) (News Sniffer). He positioned himself as speaking for disgruntled war veterans and ordinary Zimbabweans betrayed by the revolution’s current leaders. “We sadly see history repeating itself,” Geza warned, likening Mnangagwa’s alleged dictatorship to Mugabe’s final days (News Sniffer). Such rhetoric resonated with those nostalgic for the ideals of independence and frustrated by today’s hardships.
Notably, Geza’s outspokenness came with personal risk. As his press conferences gained traction online, authorities swiftly labeled his remarks as subversive. By mid-February 2025, Zimbabwe’s police accused Geza of making statements “amounting to treason” (Zimbabwe: Bombshell! Zanu-PF Expels 'Treasonous' Geza Over Anti-2030 Crusade - allAfrica.com). Undeterred, Geza continued to release his “Bombshell” video addresses from undisclosed locations, becoming increasingly a voice of dissent in exile.
Role in Youth Movements and Civic Engagement
Although Blessed Geza is a septuagenarian war veteran, his message has intersected with the aspirations of younger activists and broader civic movements in Zimbabwe. From the outset of his campaign, Geza framed his call to action as one that should unite all citizens – “We are doing this for Zimbabweans, so that everyone gets a better life” (Zimbabwe: The Bombshell Signal! Geza Ropes in Chamisa, Sikhala As He Threatens March 31 Protests - allAfrica.com). In his videos, he appealed to ordinary people, including the youth, to join mass protests against corruption and bad governance. For example, he urged “everyone to participate in an uprising” on March 31, 2025, encouraging even those with vehicles to help ferry protesters so that crowds could flood the streets (Zimbabwe: The Bombshell Signal! Geza Ropes in Chamisa, Sikhala As He Threatens March 31 Protests - allAfrica.com). This populist, grassroots appeal positioned Geza not just as a factional figure, but as a would-be leader of a people’s movement exercising constitutional rights to demonstrate (Zimbabwe: The Bombshell Signal! Geza Ropes in Chamisa, Sikhala As He Threatens March 31 Protests - allAfrica.com).
Geza also sought alliances across the political spectrum, including outreach to the opposition and civil society – where youth participation is significant. In a late March 2025 “Bombshell Signal” address, he claimed to have engaged major opposition leaders in plotting the way forward. He specifically named Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) figures like Nelson Chamisa (a favorite of young voters) and youth activist Job Sikhala as supporters of the planned protest (Zimbabwe: The Bombshell Signal! Geza Ropes in Chamisa, Sikhala As He Threatens March 31 Protests - allAfrica.com). Geza asserted that “we have engaged all political players like Chamisa, Sikhala, [Douglas] Mwonzora, [Morgan] Komichi…we agreed on a way forward” and even suggested these opposition actors “like [Vice President] Chiwenga” as a possible successor (Zimbabwe: The Bombshell Signal! Geza Ropes in Chamisa, Sikhala As He Threatens March 31 Protests - allAfrica.com). By invoking these names, Geza portrayed an unprecedented unity between liberation-war veterans and the post-independence opposition, implicitly bridging a generational and political divide.
However, the reality of these claimed alliances has been more complicated. The mainstream opposition was cautious about publicly linking up with an ex-ZANU-PF strongman. Nelson Chamisa swiftly denied collaborating with Geza, stating “I have not been in dialogue with anyone…I do not want to be made the focal point of things that have nothing to do with me” (Chamisa Denies Links to Geza’s Anti-Mnangagwa Protests – The Zimbabwe Mail). Chamisa emphasized he remained open to national dialogue in principle, but made clear he had “not taken part in any coordination regarding the planned demonstrations” (Chamisa Denies Links to Geza’s Anti-Mnangagwa Protests – The Zimbabwe Mail). This distancing suggests that while Geza’s overtures to civic and youth-led movements drew attention, formal buy-in from those groups was limited. Many pro-democracy activists remain wary of aligning with a former regime insider, recalling that past power struggles inside ZANU-PF did not necessarily translate into genuine reform for citizens (Chamisa Denies Links to Geza’s Anti-Mnangagwa Protests – The Zimbabwe Mail).
Nevertheless, Geza’s rhetoric of unity and his focus on youth-friendly themes (like jobs, anti-corruption, and an end to oppression) have earned him a following among some young Zimbabweans. On social media, there are reports of disillusioned opposition supporters expressing support for Geza’s bold stance, seeing him as a catalyst for change when other avenues seem blocked (Former CCC supporters adopt Blessed Geza as their leader?). His slogan-like messages – for instance, urging that “let people demonstrate freely…It is a constitutional right” (Zimbabwe: The Bombshell Signal! Geza Ropes in Chamisa, Sikhala As He Threatens March 31 Protests - allAfrica.com) – echo the language of civil liberties that youth movements often champion. In this way, Geza has injected new energy and discussion into Zimbabwe’s civic space, even if cautious optimism and skepticism coexist in how different groups view him.
State Response and Notable Controversies
Geza’s high-profile dissent has provoked an immediate and forceful response from the Zimbabwean state. As soon as his press conferences began circulating online, authorities moved to silence and discredit him. In February 2025, police issued a public “manhunt” notice for Blessed Geza, labeling him a fugitive from justice (Zimbabwe: Police Hunt for Geza - allAfrica.com) (Zimbabwe: Police Hunt for Geza - allAfrica.com). The Zimbabwe Republic Police announced that Geza was wanted for four criminal counts: two counts of undermining or insulting the President, one count of incitement to commit public violence, and a count of theft (Zimbabwe: Police Hunt for Geza - allAfrica.com). Commissioner Paul Nyathi warned that anyone harboring Geza or helping him evade arrest would face prosecution (Zimbabwe: Police Hunt for Geza - allAfrica.com) (Zimbabwe: Police Hunt for Geza - allAfrica.com). By mid-February, Geza had accordingly gone into hiding to avoid arrest (Zimbabwean War Veteran Blessed Geza Calls for Nationwide Protests - allAfrica.com).
The charges against Geza have been wide-ranging, blending political allegations with a seemingly unrelated criminal case. The most serious accusations are those of subverting the state: officials said Geza’s verbal attacks on President Mnangagwa “sought to undermine the party leadership…and [were] basically treason” (Zimbabwe: Bombshell! Zanu-PF Expels 'Treasonous' Geza Over Anti-2030 Crusade - allAfrica.com). In addition, a theft charge was raised over a 2020 property dispute: Geza is accused of seizing a Harare safari lodge from its owner without paying the agreed $1.5 million purchase price, effectively expropriating the lodge’s assets (Zimbabwe: Police Hunt for Geza - allAfrica.com) (Zimbabwe: Police Hunt for Geza - allAfrica.com). This allegation, which had not been publicized widely before, suddenly surfaced as part of Geza’s arrest warrant – an indicator that authorities were digging up any possible legal dirt on him. Geza insists the property was state land and thus not subject to sale (Zimbabwe: Police Hunt for Geza - allAfrica.com), but the case remains a cloud over his reputation (and may explain the “vehicle theft” element in the police charges (Zimbabwe: Police Hunt for Geza - allAfrica.com)).
Alongside the legal offensive, the state has pursued Geza’s associates and family. On February 20, 2025, police detained Geza’s wife, Roseline, for questioning, interrogating her about his whereabouts and contact details ( Police Detain Geza’s Wife For Questioning) ( Police Detain Geza’s Wife For Questioning). She was released the same day, but only after intense questioning that drew condemnation from human rights lawyers for harassment of an innocent family member ( Police Detain Geza’s Wife For Questioning). Separately, journalists faced reprisals for amplifying Geza’s voice. Blessed Mhlanga, a reporter who interviewed Geza in November 2024 and January 2025, was arrested on February 24, 2025 on charges of transmitting messages that incite violence (Zimbabwean journalist Blessed Mhlanga jailed over interviews with war veteran - Committee to Protect Journalists). Mhlanga was denied bail and kept in detention for weeks for simply broadcasting Geza’s comments – a case widely seen as a crackdown on press freedom (Zimbabwe: Journalist Held on Baseless Charges | Human Rights Watch) (Zimbabwe: Journalist Held on Baseless Charges | Human Rights Watch). Even Zimbabwe’s Chief Justice came under pressure from Geza: in one instance Geza publicly demanded the release of the jailed journalist, putting the judiciary in an uncomfortable spotlight (Zimbabwean War Veteran Blessed Geza Calls for Nationwide Protests - allAfrica.com).
Politically, ZANU-PF wasted no time in formally ousting and denouncing Geza. On March 6, 2025, the ruling party’s Politburo expelled Blessed Geza from its ranks, following recommendations of a disciplinary committee (Zimbabwe: Bombshell! Zanu-PF Expels 'Treasonous' Geza Over Anti-2030 Crusade - allAfrica.com). The party’s legal secretary, Patrick Chinamasa, announced that Geza had acted in a manner “tantamount to treason” by attacking the party leadership and the state (Zimbabwe: Bombshell! Zanu-PF Expels 'Treasonous' Geza Over Anti-2030 Crusade - allAfrica.com). Chinamasa cited party rules against bringing ZANU-PF’s name into disrepute and declared Geza disloyal and indisciplined, justifying his immediate expulsion (Zimbabwe: Bombshell! Zanu-PF Expels 'Treasonous' Geza Over Anti-2030 Crusade - allAfrica.com) (Zimbabwe: Bombshell! Zanu-PF Expels 'Treasonous' Geza Over Anti-2030 Crusade - allAfrica.com). The state media and pro-government commentators have since run with this narrative – painting Geza as a rogue element intent on destabilizing the country. Opinion pieces have accused him of spreading “lies” to incite unrest (Fact-Checking Blessed Geza - Bulawayo24 News), and officials like the Information Minister have warned that no “violent demonstration will ever see the light of day” in response to Geza’s protest calls (Zimbabwean War Veteran Blessed Geza Calls for Nationwide Protests - allAfrica.com). The Minister for State Security even issued a chilling warning to Geza and his supporters, saying the security apparatus was “ready to deal with” those plotting against the president (Zimbabwean War Veteran Blessed Geza Calls for Nationwide Protests - allAfrica.com).
Geza’s past has also been scrutinized in an effort to undermine his credibility. As mentioned, reports surfaced of a controversial lodge grab in which he allegedly dispossessed a private owner in 2020, reinforcing a picture of him as someone who benefited from the very corruption he now decries (Zimbabwe: Police Hunt for Geza - allAfrica.com) (Zimbabwe: Police Hunt for Geza - allAfrica.com). Additionally, commentators have noted that Geza was part of ZANU-PF’s machinery during periods of serious human rights violations. This has led to charges of hypocrisy – that his current stance may be driven by personal power struggles rather than principled concern for democracy (Geza's selective apology fails to extend the same for Gukurahundi atrocities - Bulawayo24 News) (Geza's selective apology fails to extend the same for Gukurahundi atrocities - Bulawayo24 News). For instance, some point out that Geza’s preferred alternative, Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga, was himself a key player in past violent episodes, and thus replacing Mnangagwa with Chiwenga (which Geza hints at) might amount to “recycling ZANU-PF” rather than true reform (Geza's selective apology fails to extend the same for Gukurahundi atrocities - Bulawayo24 News) (Geza's selective apology fails to extend the same for Gukurahundi atrocities - Bulawayo24 News). Geza’s campaign has therefore not only galvanized supporters but also invited skepticism, with detractors calling him an opportunist who helped create Zimbabwe’s problems and is now leveraging them for factional gain.
Social Media Presence and Public Reception
Since mainstream media in Zimbabwe is largely state-controlled, Blessed “Bombshell” Geza has relied on social media and online platforms to spread his message. He has leveraged tools like YouTube live streams, Facebook videos, and Twitter (X) to bypass official censorship (News Sniffer). In fact, his very alias “Bombshell” comes from the impact of his video revelations on social networks. Thousands of Zimbabweans have viewed and shared his clips, which are circulated via WhatsApp groups, Twitter, and diaspora online channels. A BBC News profile noted that Geza continued to issue taunts and signals via social media even while in hiding, keeping followers updated on his next moves (News Sniffer). His online addresses – often posted through pseudonymous accounts or sympathetic media outlets – created anticipation of a coming “signal” for action (Zimbabwe: The Bombshell Signal! Geza Ropes in Chamisa, Sikhala As He Threatens March 31 Protests - allAfrica.com), a strategy to maintain momentum and interest among the public.
On Twitter (X), prominent Zimbabwean journalists and commentators have amplified Geza’s saga. For example, award-winning journalist Hopewell Chin’ono described Geza as “a war veteran and former CIO officer…calling for Mnangagwa’s departure”, bringing international attention to his calls (Hopewell Chin'ono - X). Trending hashtags and discussions around the #Geza or #Bombshell topic have kept Zimbabwe’s social media buzzing, especially in the run-up to the slated March 31 protest. Supporters on social media hail him as “Cde Bombshell,” leaving comments praising his courage to speak truth to power. They often echo his slogans and share excerpts of his speeches highlighting government corruption or injustice.
However, public reception to Geza’s campaign is mixed. While the online sphere has given him a platform, not everyone is convinced or willing to act. Seasoned observers note a degree of “resistance fatigue” among Zimbabweans. Political analyst Takura Zhangazha told the BBC that despite Geza’s fiery anti-corruption message, it is “not going to get people riled up [or] mobilising” in large numbers (News Sniffer). Many citizens, scarred by past crackdowns, are reluctant to risk the kind of mass street protests Geza is urging (News Sniffer) (News Sniffer). The collective memory of the 2017 coup (when people celebrated the army’s intervention against Mugabe only to see ZANU-PF remain in power under Mnangagwa) has bred cynicism. As one analysis pointed out, Zimbabweans feel they “were used in the ousting of Mugabe and would not be brought out on the streets again for ZANU-PF’s internal battles” (News Sniffer). Indeed, Geza’s campaign is at its core an internal power struggle – a feud within the ruling party – which limits its appeal to those who seek more systemic change rather than just a different ZANU-PF leader.
The government’s counter-narrative on social media further shapes reception. Pro-government accounts and state media have actively tried to fact-check and refute Geza’s claims in the public eye. They brand his allegations as “inflammatory” propaganda (Grok - X) and emphasize successes of Mnangagwa’s administration to rebut Geza’s portrayal of economic collapse. On some platforms, one can find lengthy posts dissecting “Geza’s lies” – for instance, denying a corruption scandal he mentioned or defending officials he attacked (Fact-Checking Blessed Geza - Bulawayo24 News) (Fact-Checking Blessed Geza - Bulawayo24 News). This propaganda aims to dissuade the undecided public from sympathizing with Geza. Additionally, the climate of fear is palpable: state security posts warning that any social media user who spreads “subversive material” (implicitly, Geza’s messages) could face arrest have been noted. Such intimidation can dampen open support.
Despite these challenges, Geza’s use of new media has undeniably made him a household name in political discourse. In a matter of months, “Cde Bombshell” went from an obscure party elder to one of the most talked-about figures in Zimbabwe. His follower count and engagement online have surged, reflecting how digital platforms allowed an alternative narrative to reach citizens. Especially among the diaspora and younger urban population (who have more internet access), Geza’s campaign has sparked debate about Zimbabwe’s future leadership. Even if many remain skeptical or passive, the conversation has shifted – people are openly discussing the previously taboo topic of Mnangagwa’s succession and the possibility of change, in part because Geza forced it onto the national agenda (News Sniffer) (Zimbabwe: Bombshell! Zanu-PF Expels 'Treasonous' Geza Over Anti-2030 Crusade - allAfrica.com).
Timeline of Key Public Activities
November 2024: Blessed Geza resurfaces as a government critic, giving an interview on independent TV (Heart & Soul) in which he calls for President Mnangagwa’s resignation. He accuses Mnangagwa of nepotism, corruption, and incompetence in this interview, shocking the establishment (Zimbabwean journalist Blessed Mhlanga jailed over interviews with war veteran - Committee to Protect Journalists). (This interview, and another in January, later form the basis of charges against the journalist who aired them.)
December 2024: At ZANU-PF’s annual conference, a motion is adopted pushing to extend Mnangagwa’s term to 2030, effectively endorsing a third-term agenda (News Sniffer) (News Sniffer). Geza privately opposes this move and begins organizing his thoughts for public dissent, setting the stage for his open challenge.
January 2025: Geza gives a follow-up interview (broadcast in early 2025) reiterating that Mnangagwa has failed the country. By now, his bold remarks have drawn the ire of party hardliners. Preparations are quietly made by authorities to rein him in.
Early February 2025: Geza holds a series of press conferences (captured on video and circulated online) where he intensifies his criticism. In these addresses, he apologizes for helping Mnangagwa come to power, blasts the president’s inner circle for corruption, and urges Mnangagwa to step aside before 2028 (News Sniffer) (News Sniffer). The videos, peppered with vernacular insults and the catchphrase “bombshell,” quickly go viral on social media among Zimbabweans.
February 13, 2025: Police issue an alert announcing a manhunt for Blessed Geza. A statement by the National Police Spokesperson lists four charges against him: vehicle theft, two counts of insulting/undermining the President, and incitement of public violence (Zimbabwe: Police Hunt for Geza - allAfrica.com) (Zimbabwe: Police Hunt for Geza - allAfrica.com). Geza is officially declared a wanted person. That same week, Geza vanishes from the public eye and goes into hiding to evade arrest (Zimbabwean War Veteran Blessed Geza Calls for Nationwide Protests - allAfrica.com).
February 17–20, 2025: Police and security agents repeatedly visit Geza’s home in Norton. Failing to find him, they detain his wife, Roseline, on Feb 20 for questioning about his whereabouts ( Police Detain Geza’s Wife For Questioning). She is interrogated about Geza’s communications and later released, an incident that draws public attention to the regime’s heavy-handed tactics against his family.
February 24, 2025: Veteran journalist Blessed Mhlanga is arrested in Harare on charges of “transmitting incitement” over the interviews he conducted with Geza (Zimbabwean journalist Blessed Mhlanga jailed over interviews with war veteran - Committee to Protect Journalists). He is denied bail amid claims that releasing him could “undermine peace and security,” highlighting the authorities’ fear of Geza’s message spreading (Zimbabwe: Journalist Held on Baseless Charges | Human Rights Watch). (Mhlanga’s detention continues into the following month, sparking outcry from media rights groups.)
Late February 2025: Having effectively silenced Geza’s direct outlets, ZANU-PF’s Mashonaland West provincial committee recommends Geza’s expulsion from the party. Geza, communicating through associates, continues to insist his fight is on behalf of the people and hints at upcoming “fireworks.”
March 1, 2025: A group of ex-combatants (war veterans) publicly back Geza’s call for Mnangagwa to step down. In a joint statement, these veterans laud Geza’s courage and state “Mr President, you have failed, step down”, aligning themselves with his demands (Zimbabwean War Veteran Blessed Geza Calls for Nationwide Protests - allAfrica.com). This is a rare open challenge to Mnangagwa from within the liberation war community, underlining a rift in ZANU-PF’s base.
March 6, 2025: The ZANU-PF Politburo expels Geza from the party with immediate effect (Zimbabwe: Bombshell! Zanu-PF Expels 'Treasonous' Geza Over Anti-2030 Crusade - allAfrica.com). At a press briefing, party spokespersons brand him “treasonous” and accuse him of fanning factionalism for opposing Mnangagwa’s 2030 plan (Zimbabwe: Bombshell! Zanu-PF Expels 'Treasonous' Geza Over Anti-2030 Crusade - allAfrica.com). Geza, through a short statement, retorts that “no one can fire me from ZANU-PF” except the people, and says it is Mnangagwa and his cronies who should go (Zimbabwean War Veteran Blessed Geza Calls for Nationwide Protests - allAfrica.com).
March 12, 2025: A BBC News report titled “A man called ‘Bombshell’ fires up Zimbabwe’s succession battle” is published, bringing Geza’s story to international audiences (News Sniffer). It highlights the significance of his rebellion and notes he is in hiding while wanted on multiple charges (News Sniffer). This marks the point where Geza’s fight becomes global news.
Mid-March 2025: In hiding, Geza begins releasing teasers on social media about a coming “signal.” On March 18, he reportedly reminds Mnangagwa that his power rests on Vice President Chiwenga’s support, implicitly threatening an internal push against Mnangagwa (Zimbabwean War Veteran Blessed Geza Calls for Nationwide Protests - allAfrica.com). Around March 19, Geza issues an online open letter demanding the release of journalist Mhlanga and lambasting Chief Justice Malaba for holding him (Zimbabwean War Veteran Blessed Geza Calls for Nationwide Protests - allAfrica.com).
March 20, 2025: Geza re-emerges via a live video address posted online – dubbed the “Bombshell Signal.” Dressed in full military camouflage attire (Zimbabwe: The Bombshell Signal! Geza Ropes in Chamisa, Sikhala As He Threatens March 31 Protests - allAfrica.com), he calls on Zimbabweans to prepare for nationwide protests on March 31, 2025 to force Mnangagwa’s resignation (Zimbabwe: The Bombshell Signal! Geza Ropes in Chamisa, Sikhala As He Threatens March 31 Protests - allAfrica.com). In this address, Geza gives Mnangagwa an ultimatum to step down or “face the wrath of street protests.” He appeals to all citizens to join the “uprising” and warns security forces not to harm peaceful demonstrators (Zimbabwe: The Bombshell Signal! Geza Ropes in Chamisa, Sikhala As He Threatens March 31 Protests - allAfrica.com) (Zimbabwe: The Bombshell Signal! Geza Ropes in Chamisa, Sikhala As He Threatens March 31 Protests - allAfrica.com). Geza also claims that opposition leaders (Chamisa, Sikhala, Biti, etc.) are on board with this plan (Chamisa Denies Links to Geza’s Anti-Mnangagwa Protests – The Zimbabwe Mail) (Chamisa Denies Links to Geza’s Anti-Mnangagwa Protests – The Zimbabwe Mail), and insinuates that even figures within ZANU-PF and the military favor Vice-President Chiwenga over Mnangagwa (Chamisa Denies Links to Geza’s Anti-Mnangagwa Protests – The Zimbabwe Mail).
March 21–22, 2025: Reactions to Geza’s call: The government, through Information Minister Jenfan Muswere, vows to block any protest, declaring “no violent demonstration will ever see the light of day” and putting security forces on high alert (Zimbabwean War Veteran Blessed Geza Calls for Nationwide Protests - allAfrica.com). State Security Minister Owen Ncube (or equivalent office) issues stern warnings specifically aimed at Geza and any co-organizers, effectively threatening a crackdown. Meanwhile, Nelson Chamisa publicly distances himself from Geza’s campaign on March 22, refuting the claim that he or the opposition agreed to join the protests (Chamisa Denies Links to Geza’s Anti-Mnangagwa Protests – The Zimbabwe Mail). Chamisa’s statement on X emphasizes he has “not been part of any dialogue” regarding the 31 March uprising (Chamisa Denies Links to Geza’s Anti-Mnangagwa Protests – The Zimbabwe Mail). This generates significant discussion in political circles about whether Geza truly has allies or is exaggerating support.
Late March 2025: Tensions rise in Zimbabwe as the March 31 date approaches. Security deployments in major cities increase, with reports of armed soldiers and police on standby (a precaution reminiscent of coup fears) (News Sniffer) (News Sniffer). Civil society groups note that this is the most serious call for mass protest since January 2019, and uncertainties abound about whether people will heed Geza’s call or stay home. Geza’s camp continues to rally supporters online, insisting “the signal is coming” and that the planned demonstrations will be peaceful but unyielding (Zimbabwe: The Bombshell Signal! Geza Ropes in Chamisa, Sikhala As He Threatens March 31 Protests - allAfrica.com).
March 31, 2025 (scheduled): Nationwide Protest Day. Geza has designated this day for Zimbabweans to flood the streets and demand President Mnangagwa’s immediate resignation. As of this profile’s writing (March 29, 2025), it remains to be seen if these protests materialize and how the state responds. Many expect an overwhelming security presence and possible internet blackouts on the day, given the government’s hardline stance. Regardless of turnout, the lead-up to March 31 has already made history by openly testing the limits of dissent within Zimbabwe’s one-party-dominated system.
Political and Cultural Influence
Blessed “Cde Bombshell” Geza’s insurgent activism has had a significant impact on Zimbabwe’s political discourse in a short span. Culturally, he has become a symbol of dissent from within – a dramatic illustration that even liberation war stalwarts can rebel against the status quo. His speeches, laced with vernacular phrases and war-era nostalgia, have struck a chord with segments of the population tired of the ruling elite’s excesses. By publicly calling out President Mnangagwa and his circle, Geza broke a taboo and emboldened others to voice grievances that were previously whispered. War veterans, for instance, have felt empowered to speak up; Geza’s stance led fellow ex-combatants to openly criticize Mnangagwa’s “failure” – something unthinkable a few years prior (Zimbabwean War Veteran Blessed Geza Calls for Nationwide Protests - allAfrica.com). In this sense, Geza has cracked the veneer of invincibility around Mnangagwa’s regime, exposing internal fractures (the simmering feud between the president and Vice-President Chiwenga) to public scrutiny (Chamisa Denies Links to Geza’s Anti-Mnangagwa Protests – The Zimbabwe Mail) (Chamisa Denies Links to Geza’s Anti-Mnangagwa Protests – The Zimbabwe Mail).
Geza’s campaign also thrust the succession debate into the limelight. His vocal opposition to extending Mnangagwa’s term beyond 2028 forced even apolitical institutions to react – for example, Zimbabwe’s influential Catholic Bishops Conference issued a letter in early 2025 warning against the distraction of a “2030 debate” and urging focus on economic hardships instead (News Sniffer). This alignment of voices (from church leaders to veteran politicians like Geza) added pressure on Mnangagwa to clarify his intentions. In fact, shortly after Geza’s challenge gained traction, Mnangagwa publicly assured that he did plan to step down after his term (an assurance many remain skeptical of) (News Sniffer) (News Sniffer). The national conversation has undeniably shifted: topics like constitutional term limits, corruption by top officials, and the role of war veterans in politics are being debated more openly, largely thanks to Geza’s “bombshell” revelations.
On social media and among youth, Geza’s influence is a double-edged sword. He provided a new rallying point for disaffected citizens, and his use of colloquial bluntness made politics feel accessible (or at least entertaining) to a younger audience. Memes and clips of his fiery one-liners (such as calling Mnangagwa “Ngwena” – “the Crocodile” – and telling him his time is up) have circulated widely (News Sniffer) (News Sniffer). In a country where many youths are apathetic due to years of repression, the spectacle of a guerrilla war hero aligning with calls for change is culturally significant. It bridges a generational gap: the liberation war generation often has different perspectives from born-free (post-1980) youths, yet Geza managed to find a narrative – anti-corruption, anti-tyranny – that resonates across age groups.
That said, Geza’s influence has clear limits and complexities. His ultimate goals appear more aligned with installing a different ZANU-PF leadership (possibly Chiwenga) than with the democratic overhaul that many opposition and civic activists seek (Chamisa Denies Links to Geza’s Anti-Mnangagwa Protests – The Zimbabwe Mail) (Geza's selective apology fails to extend the same for Gukurahundi atrocities - Bulawayo24 News). This has led to a cautious stance by civil society – an understanding that Geza’s revolt is part of ZANU-PF’s internal power dynamics. As political analyst Alexander Rusero observed, war veterans like Geza often act out of a feeling of being sidelined from power and spoils, rather than purely altruistic motives (News Sniffer) (News Sniffer). Indeed, some Zimbabweans interpret Geza’s campaign as a bid to “correct” his exclusion from the patronage network, rather than a fight for ordinary people’s rights (News Sniffer). This view tempers the enthusiasm in some quarters: many remember how in 2017 a factional coup was cheered on, only to yield more of the same governance afterward (Chamisa Denies Links to Geza’s Anti-Mnangagwa Protests – The Zimbabwe Mail). Culturally, there is wariness about “heroes” who emerge from within the system – a sense that the true change agents might still need to come from grassroots civic mobilization.
In summary, Blessed Geza has carved out a unique place in Zimbabwe’s contemporary history. His activism has impacted political discourse by spotlighting issues of succession, corruption, and governance failures at the very top (News Sniffer) (News Sniffer). He has energized segments of the populace and created headaches for the ruling establishment, which has responded with repression and propaganda. Whether or not his immediate call for an uprising succeeds, Geza’s bold defiance has eroded the culture of fear to a degree, showing that even insiders can challenge President Mnangagwa’s authority. His profile – as a veteran, former spy, and now dissident – also underscores the unpredictable nature of Zimbabwean politics, where alliances shift and yesterday’s enforcers can become today’s whistleblowers. Geza’s political and cultural influence thus lies in prompting Zimbabweans to re-examine the legacy of the liberation generation in today’s context: he is at once a product of that legacy and a rebel against its current custodians. As Zimbabwe continues to grapple with calls for reform, figures like “Cde Bombshell” Geza will remain pivotal in shaping the narrative of who truly represents the people’s aspirations for a just and prosperous nation.
Sources: Recent news articles, human rights reports, and media profiles were used to compile this information, including reporting from New Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe: Bombshell! Zanu-PF Expels 'Treasonous' Geza Over Anti-2030 Crusade - allAfrica.com) (Zimbabwe: The Bombshell Signal! Geza Ropes in Chamisa, Sikhala As He Threatens March 31 Protests - allAfrica.com), BBC News (News Sniffer) (News Sniffer), Human Rights Watch (Zimbabwe: Journalist Held on Baseless Charges | Human Rights Watch), Committee to Protect Journalists (Zimbabwean journalist Blessed Mhlanga jailed over interviews with war veteran - Committee to Protect Journalists), and The Herald/AllAfrica (Zimbabwe: Police Hunt for Geza - allAfrica.com) (Zimbabwe: Police Hunt for Geza - allAfrica.com), among others. All details reflect public information and statements as of March 2025.
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