GEZA- Outspoken war veteran Blessed Geza has issued a stern warning to President Emmerson Mnangagwa against removing Vice President Constantino Chiwenga from his position, as political tensions within ZANU‑PF appear to be escalating toward a potential crisis.
Geza, a prominent figure in Zimbabwe’s liberation war history and a vocal commentator on national politics, took to his X (formerly Twitter) account to voice his concerns, framing the alleged dismissal as a dangerous overreach by the President.
“There are rumours suggesting that Emmerson plans to dismiss Gen Chiwenga from his position. Let me assure you that if Emmerson does that, it would definitely be a reckless overreach, and we wouldn’t expect him to repeat what Mugabe did to him, kuchachemwa,” Geza wrote.
His comments come amid reports suggesting Mnangagwa’s inner circle is planning to remove Chiwenga within the next five days — a move that some analysts say could deepen divisions within the ruling party and trigger instability.
Sources within political circles claim Chiwenga remains a highly influential figure within the military, a power base that has historically shaped political developments in Zimbabwe. At the same time, Mnangagwa is believed to be consolidating his own influence, most recently through high‑profile gestures such as gifting luxury vehicles to senior military commanders — actions widely interpreted as an effort to secure loyalty in anticipation of internal disputes.
The reported friction between Mnangagwa and Chiwenga is said to be rooted in the events of 2017, when Chiwenga played a decisive role in orchestrating the ousting of former President Robert Mugabe. That intervention paved the way for Mnangagwa’s accession to the presidency. Sources close to Chiwenga allege that the Vice President feels deeply aggrieved by what he perceives as Mnangagwa’s ingratitude and undermining of his contributions to the ruling party.
A senior ZANU‑PF insider told reporters, “Chiwenga believes Mnangagwa has forgotten the sacrifices that brought him into power. There is a deep sense of betrayal, especially given that Mnangagwa’s loyalists, like Temba Mliswa, have hinted at moves against Chiwenga.”
Mliswa, a vocal supporter of Mnangagwa, recently made statements suggesting that the President could be preparing to restructure the party leadership in a way that sidelines Chiwenga. These remarks have fueled speculation of a possible purge within ZANU‑PF ahead of its forthcoming national conference.
Veteran Blessed Geza Warns Against Firing Chiwenga Amid Mounting ZANU‑PF Tensions
According to unnamed political sources, Chiwenga’s removal could happen imminently. “Chiwenga will be fired from the VP position in the next five coming days,” one source said. “Just be ready for turns and twists in this political arena.”
Observers warn that such a development could trigger significant unrest within the party, with potential ramifications for Zimbabwe’s stability. Chiwenga still commands respect and loyalty in certain military and political circles, and his dismissal could be perceived as a power grab, possibly deepening factional rivalries.
Political analysts suggest that the move, if it occurs, would not be without risk for Mnangagwa. “It is one thing to consolidate power, but another entirely to remove a key figure who still has a substantial support base in the military. This could lead to unpredictable consequences,” said one political commentator.
This brewing drama unfolds as ZANU‑PF prepares for its national conference — an event expected to reshape the party’s leadership structure and set the tone for its future direction. The conference will take place in the midst of growing public debate over succession politics and the next leadership generation within ZANU‑PF.
Chiwenga, a retired general and a war hero, remains a key figure in these succession discussions. His continued presence as Vice President has been seen by some as a counterbalance to Mnangagwa’s consolidation of power. Removing him could send a strong signal about the shifting dynamics at the top of Zimbabwe’s ruling party.
Geza’s warning underscores the sensitivity of the moment. His remark referencing “kuchachemwa” — a Shona term alluding to being humiliated or sidelined — evokes the political fate that Mnangagwa himself once endured under Mugabe. This historical parallel adds weight to Geza’s caution, suggesting that political purges carry long‑lasting implications in Zimbabwe’s political landscape.
As speculation swirls over Chiwenga’s fate, the coming days could prove decisive for both Mnangagwa and the future of ZANU‑PF. The question remains whether the party will weather this internal storm peacefully or whether it will deepen existing divisions.
For now, Geza’s public warning has injected a new layer of tension into Zimbabwe’s political discourse, signalling that any attempt to remove Chiwenga will not go uncontested. As the nation watches closely, the events unfolding within ZANU‑PF could have far‑reaching consequences for the country’s political stability in the months ahead.
Source- Bulawayo24
