HARARE – Tensions are escalating in Zimbabwe as vehicles were set alight outside offices linked to prominent businessmen Wicknell Chivayo and Kudakwashe Tagwirei overnight, just days before planned nationwide protests.
The unrest follows accusations by war veteran Blessed Geza, who publicly named Chivayo and Tagwirei among other businessmen and politicians as “criminals around the President,” and called for citizen action.
Last night, three vehicles were set alight outside offices linked to Chivayo and Tagwirei, as well as at a DA petrol station in Harare. Concurrently, in Nyanga, six Zimbabwe National Army soldiers reportedly disappeared with AK-47 rifles during a training exercise.
Commenting on the arson incident, government spokesperson Nick Mangwana said:
“Wow, what a mastermind plan! They collect some clunkers, drive them to a spot outside some place, set them ablaze, and then sprint away like lunatics. And the grand strategy behind this ‘genius move’ is… to what? Scare someone? Please.
“And there are actually people holding their breaths, eagerly awaiting these amateurish stunts? Jokes on them, right?” Mangwana said.
These events coincide with Geza’s call for protests against what he describes as the “suffering of 16 million Zimbabweans.”
In a video address from an undisclosed location on Wednesday night, Geza, wearing military attire, accused a group of individuals, including the prominent businessmen and President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s wife, of causing the nation’s hardships.
He urged citizens to “flood the streets” and take action on March 31.
Other business people include Julius Charumbira also known as Shumba Mupostori, John Panonetsa Mangudya, Mthuli Ncube, Obey Chimuka, Tempter Paul Tungwarara and Douglas Kwande.
The politicians include, Daniel Garwe, Minister of Local Government, Mashonaland East Provincial Chairman, Owen “Mudha” Ncube, Provincial Minister for Midlands, Tatenda Mavetera, Minister of ICT, Mabel Chinomona, President of the Senate, Jacob Mudenda, Speaker of Parliament, Tinoda Machakaire, Minister of Youths, Secretary for Youth Affairs and Christopher Mutsvangwa, Zanu-PF spokesperson among others.
Geza, who is now wanted by the police for allegedly inciting violence, expressed regret for his past support of the Zanu-PF leadership.
President Mnangagwa responded to Geza’s calls during a Zanu-PF politburo meeting, stating that he has “ample support from patriotic citizens” to counter any attempts to disrupt peace by “malcontents and rogue, delusional elements.”
Adding to the complex political landscape, the recent reassignment of General Anselem Sanyatwe has been interpreted by some as a move by Mnangagwa to weaken Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s influence within the military, given their known close alliance.
Mnangagwa has since appointed Major General Emmanuel Matatu (74) as the new Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army, replacing Sanyatwe who was appointed Minister of Sport.
A heavy police presence has been deployed in the streets of Harare and Bulawayo in anticipation of the planned protests.
