Zimbabwe is facing a fresh wave of political tensions following threats of nationwide protests led by war veteran Blessed ‘Bombshell’ Runesu Geza and his supporters. However, businessman Wicknell Chivayo, known for his close ties with the ruling Zanu-PF party, has come out strongly in defense of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, dismissing Geza’s influence and denouncing the planned demonstrations.
Mnangagwa has come under growing pressure from a faction of war veterans who accuse him of fostering corruption and failing in governance. Led by Geza, this group has called for his removal, prompting the government to deploy security forces to suppress any potential unrest. Wicknell Chivayo, a controversial businessman, has openly criticized Geza, portraying him as a political outcast without real influence.
“Zimbabwe is a peaceful nation, known for its educated and responsible citizens, most of whom carry Christian values and are law-abiding. The reckless call for an illegal uprising and incitement to violence is totally unZimbabwean and must be rejected by every peace-loving citizen,” Wicknell Chivayo stated.
He further described Geza as a “failed politician and fugitive from justice” whose only strategy is to provoke instability from exile. According to Wicknell Chivayo, Geza’s expulsion from Zanu-PF has rendered him politically irrelevant, and his latest attempt to mobilize protests is simply an act of desperation.
Wicknell Chivayo has been a key target of Geza’s accusations, with claims that he has personally benefited from government corruption. Last year, Wicknell Chivayo was embroiled in controversy over allegations that he fronted a company that secured a US$100 million tender from the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to supply materials for the 2023 general elections.
Geza has also warned Wicknell Chivayo and fellow businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei, suggesting they are part of a corrupt elite enriching themselves at the expense of the people. The situation escalated further when vehicles were set on fire at premises linked to both Chivayo and Tagwirei, raising concerns over targeted political violence. In a strongly worded statement, Wicknell Chivayo equated the planned protests to acts of terrorism against the government.
“To shift from legal and peaceful demonstrations and start burning vehicles, destroying property belonging to innocent individuals, and calling for the violent removal of a government is illegal, treasonous, and easily qualifies as terrorism,” he asserted.
Wicknell Chivayo urged Zimbabweans to reject calls for protests, arguing that such actions would only destabilize the nation. He emphasized the need for peace and stability, warning against the dangers of succumbing to political manipulation by figures like Geza.
The protest threats have also highlighted growing factional battles within Zanu-PF. During a recent Zanu-PF Central Committee meeting, President Mnangagwa issued a stern warning to party members aligning themselves with Geza. This internal power struggle signals deeper divisions within the ruling party as different factions position themselves for future leadership contests.
Wicknell Chivayo reiterated his unwavering support for Mnangagwa, emphasizing that those with leadership ambitions should wait for the president’s term to end in 2028.
“President Mnangagwa still has three full years remaining in his term, and he has publicly pledged to step down at the end of it—as a true constitutionalist. If anyone has ambitions, they must respect party processes and wait for the next congress,” Wicknell Chivayo stated. He further pledged his financial and moral support to any leader democratically elected within Zanu-PF, stressing his commitment to keeping the ruling party in power indefinitely.
With tensions rising, the coming days will be crucial for Zimbabwe’s political landscape. The government’s response to the planned protests and the actions of opposition forces will determine whether the nation sees a period of heightened unrest or a return to political stability. For now, Chivayo remains a vocal defender of Mnangagwa, using his influence to rally against dissent and affirm the president’s hold on power.
In other news – Zimbabwean protesters defy police as demonstrations continue at Freedom Square – WATCH
Zimbabwean protesters defy police as demonstrations continue at Freedom Square – WATCH! The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) dispersed protesters at Robert Mugabe Square (Freedom Square) in Harare, but demonstrators remain defiant, continuing their protests against President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government.
Despite police crackdowns, protesters keep returning to Freedom Square, creating a cat-and-mouse situation between them and law enforcement. Read More
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