HARARE – Former Zanu-PF Central Committee member and war veteran Blessed Geza has publicly accused prominent businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei of destabilising the Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA) Church in Zimbabwe and harboring clandestine political ambitions.
Geza’s allegations come amid reported political tensions within the ruling Zanu-PF party and a series of recent changes in Zimbabwe’s security apparatus.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa is reportedly grooming Tagwirei to succeed him, hence sidelining his deputy Constantino Chiwenga.
Geza, in a public address, claimed Tagwirei’s actions have caused internal conflicts within the SDA church, tarnishing its reputation.
“You have destroyed the SDA church. There are clashes now in the SDA church because of you. Because of your greediness. You tarnish the SDA church’s image. Destroying all the dignity the church had. It is our church,” Geza stated.
Beyond the church-related accusations, Geza alleged that Tagwirei is being nurtured for a political role, potentially as a successor to the current Zanu-PF leader, with the support of the President and his wife, Auxillia Mnangagwa.
“You’re not entering politics. Don’t undermine us. Thousands and thousands of people died for this country. And you want to be the next President.
“You’re being influenced by Mnangagwa and Auxillia. You want to be President through the back door. That will not happen,” Geza asserted.
Geza further accused Tagwirei of benefiting from government contracts without proper financial contributions, alleging that the government covers any associated costs.
“You’re being given government companies without paying any cent. If there is any money that is being paid, it is the government that pays on your behalf. You’re greedy. You’re a very toxic man,” he said.
Prominent lawyer Advocate Thabani Mpofu, a member of the SDA church, has stated that he does not support the businessman’s current moves.
“I do not represent or speak on behalf of the SDA Church. As an individual outside of its formal structures (and a mere Usher at best), I do not feel obligated to defend its actions or decisions, particularly regarding the Tagwirei issue, with which I personally disagree.
“The nation must direct its concerns, which I feel are legitimate, to the church itself which has a moral obligation to address them. I share the concerns being raised by Zimbabweans; particularly as recently articulated by Elder Geza.
“On the question of how this country must be run, my views align with those of the Catholic Bishops,” Mpofu stated.
Tagwirei has been accused of dividing the SDA church in Harare, using his financial influence to buy pastors and elders making them his own.
The latest accusations surfaced following reports of strategic reshuffles within Zimbabwe’s security leadership, including the appointment of Major General Emmanuel Matatu as the new Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army and Fulton Mangwanya as the head of the Central Intelligence Organisation.
These changes have been interpreted by some as moves by Mnangagwa to consolidate his power and preempt potential challenges to his leadership, particularly from Chiwenga.
The Zanu-PF Harare provincial executive recently recommended Tagwirei’s co-option into the party’s Central Committee, fueling speculation about his growing political influence.
Geza, however, has vowed to oppose any attempt to elevate Tagwirei politically, accusing him of corruption and asserting his support for Chiwenga.
Geza, who has previously called for President Mnangagwa’s resignation, recently suspended his planned protests, citing concerns that the President’s son, Sean Mnangagwa, intended to frame him for terrorism.
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