Zvakwana Nomore Sweto Declares Geza as New Symbol of Resistance as Mnangagwa’s Leadership Falters in Zimbabwe

There is a popular adage that states, if you live by the sword, you will die by the sword. This accurately describes Zimbabwean President Emerson Mnangagwa, who ascended to power through a military coup in November 2017, following the ousting of his longstanding ally, Robert Mugabe.

Since assuming office, Mnangagwa has struggled to gain the support of the majority of Zimbabweans, maintaining his position with the help of the armed forces through questionable electoral processes.

Recently, he appears concerned about the possibility of history repeating itself, prompting him to replace the heads of the intelligence service, police force, and military.

Mnangagwa’s Ineffective Leadership

Emmerson Mnangagwa’s leadership has been met with considerable criticism from many Zimbabweans, who view him as an adversary of the populace due to numerous significant failures on his part as a leader.

Under Mnangagwa’s leadership, not much has changed from the previous administration of Robert Mugabe, as there has been a violent crackdown on protests, with security forces killing and torturing opposition activists, journalists, and demonstrators.

The regime has weaponized the law to quell dissent, employing arrests, abductions, and intimidation against journalists such as Hopewell Chin’ono and Blessing Mhlanga.

In spite of promises of economic recovery, the state of Zimbabwe’s economy under Mnangagwa has spiraled into crisis, characterized by hyperinflation, rampant corruption, and poor management. Allegedly, elites loyal to Mnangagwa have benefited from state resources while ordinary citizens continue to suffer.

Mnangagwa has betrayed fellow war veterans who anticipated he would uphold democratic ideals, instead bolstering corruption and dictatorship.

Despite ZANU-PF’s claims, the government has failed to enact substantial land reform or economic empowerment for ordinary Zimbabweans.

Is Geza a Saint or a Lesser Evil?

The emergence of Blessed ‘Bombshell’ Geza in early March this year generated hope among the general populace of Zimbabwe.

Geza, a hero of the liberation war and a former Central Intelligence Officer (CIO), has left many pondering whether he is a savior or merely a different version of evil, given his prior affiliation with ZANU PF before being expelled for openly criticizing Mnangagwa’s administration.

Considering his history in the oppressive suppression of political dissent, there is little reason to believe that Blessed Geza and his associates are committed to enacting genuine reforms.

This faction is likely to continue employing a governance style reminiscent of its predecessors, securing lucrative opportunities for the security and political elite while leaving the broader populace to struggle and fear retribution for voicing their opinions.

On March 31, 2025, Zimbabwe experienced a major demonstration led by Geza, driven by widespread discontent over economic downfall, political repression, and deteriorating living conditions.

In various locations, the police responded with excessive force to disperse crowds, resulting in injuries and arrests.

An article published by Al Jazeera on April 1, 2025, reported that “Zimbabwe police arrested 95 individuals on charges of inciting public violence for participating in protests demanding President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s resignation.”

Human rights organizations condemned the brutal response, underscoring the regime’s intolerance towards opposition.

The events of March 31 highlighted Zimbabwe’s escalating crisis and the urgent need for both economic and political reform.

Is the Church a Viable Solution?

The church has historically occupied a complex role within Zimbabwe’s sociopolitical landscape. While it has the potential to aid in addressing national challenges, it often struggles to serve as a catalyst for meaningful change.

In light of recent events, many find themselves with more questions than answers regarding the church’s capacity to intervene effectively in the country’s affairs.

Prophet Eubert Angel’s spiritual father, Pastor Chris, urged his congregation and all Zimbabweans to pray and fast on Sunday for peace and unity.

Pastor Chris’s message was interpreted by many as a plea for people to avoid participating in the March 31 protests, a directive many believed was issued at Angel’s behest.

Pastor Angel understood that if he delivered the same message directly to Zimbabweans, it would lack credibility due to his alleged involvement in various corrupt activities, including a significant role in the “Zimbabwe’s Gold mafias.”

In a surprising turn, Apostle Andrew Wutaunashe publicly announced his support for Blessed Geza during his church service over the weekend, calling on people to rally behind him.

If preserved from state influence, the church could emerge as a catalyst for change by mobilizing citizens, exposing injustices, and providing humanitarian aid, although it alone cannot resolve Zimbabwe’s crises.

What Zimbabwe truly needs is a combination of sustained mass protests, international pressure, legal challenges, and shifts in internal politics.

The church’s most significant role may lie in keeping the spirit of resistance alive while providing hope to struggling Zimbabweans.

In conclusion, many Zimbabweans perceive Mnangagwa as a perpetuation of Mugabe’s oppressive regime, but with even more severe tactics and poorer economic outcomes.

Under his leadership, the government prioritizes political survival over the welfare of its citizens, leading to widespread unpopularity.

Meanwhile, journalist Blessed Mhlanga, who initially interviewed Blessed “Bombshell” Geza, remains in remand prison on charges of inciting violence through his communications.

*The author of this article is Zvakwana Nomore Sweto, an accomplished journalist and digital marketing professional with experience in news reporting, feature writing, and content creation. He is also a published author of four books and has a passion for storytelling to convey impactful narratives. The views expressed by Zvakwana Nomore Sweto do not necessarily reflect those of The Bulrushes.