Mystery surrounds death of activist aligned to Geza amid assassination claims

PRETORIA – The death of Zimbabwean activist Kudzai Weston Saruwaka in South Africa has triggered widespread speculation and concern, coming just days after the passing of outspoken government critic Blessed “Bombshell” Geza, with activists raising fears of a possible assassination.

Geza, a fierce critic of President Emmerson Mnangagwa who rose to prominence last year after publicly calling for the president’s resignation, died last week in South Africa after a long battle with chronic illness.

Geza later fled Zimbabwe after being charged with inciting violence, and authorities imposed shutdown measures in Harare at the height of unrest linked to his calls for protests.

Saruwaka, who was linked to the GEZA movement, reportedly died in South Africa last week, just a day after Geza’s death. The close timing of the two deaths has raised suspicion of a possible foul play.

Saruwaka was deeply involved in political activism and had close ties to Geza. His brother, Trevor JI Saruwaka, described him as a “martyr” who paid “the ultimate price for the freedom of Zimbabwe.”

No official statement has yet been issued by police, and authorities have not confirmed the cause or circumstances of Saruwaka’s death.

However, an account circulating on X, published by International Cable News, a handle run by a political activist outside Zimbabwe, has alleged that Saruwaka was assassinated in a carefully planned ambush in the Mabopane area of Pretoria.

According to the post, Saruwaka had earlier fled Zimbabwe after receiving warnings that he was being targeted due to his political activities and association with Geza.

The account further claims that while in South Africa, Saruwaka continued operating a small business and was later lured into a meeting with a “mysterious client” who allegedly set up a delivery in a secluded area.

It further noted that gunmen opened fire on the vehicle transporting Saruwaka and an Uber driver, killing both, and that nothing was stolen from the scene, prompting police to open a murder case rather than a robbery investigation.

“When Saruwaka arrived at the location, two gunmen appeared from the bush and started firing at the Uber vehicle before Kudzai could come out of the car,” the handle stated.

“Sadly, both Saruwaka and the Uber driver died on the spot. While giving feedback to Saruwaka’s business associates, police said nothing was stolen from the car including the delivery consignment for the case to pass as a robbery. A murder file was therefore opened,”

These claims have not been independently verified by authorities in either South Africa or Zimbabwe.

Adding to the growing concerns, a statement attributed to retired Zimbabwe National Army lieutenant general Winston Sigauke Mapuranga described Saruwaka’s reported killing as a “targeted assassination” and warned that political violence, whether at home or in exile, undermines the ideals of the liberation struggle.

The statement drew parallels with past unresolved deaths of opposition figures and called for a thorough and transparent investigation by South African authorities.

“Though I did not know him personally, his vibrant spirit, fearless activism, and commitment to challenging the status quo in our beloved country remind me painfully of another bright young life cut short Learnmore Jongwe.

“Jongwe was a promising lawyer, a passionate voice in the opposition, full of energy and conviction, who died far too young under circumstances that left many questions unanswered.

“Now, we face yet another loss of a young patriot Kudzai, associated with the Geza Revolution, reportedly gunned down in South Africa in what appears to have been a targeted assassination,” read part of the statement.

The Zimbabwean government, speaking through its spokesperson Nick Ndavaningi Mangwana, rejected allegations that Harare was involved in the killing, asserting instead that Saruwaka was simply another victim of South Africa’s high murder rate.

“We categorically reject the unfounded allegations being pushed around the internet regarding the tragic death of a Zimbabwean national in South Africa. We had absolutely no role in this incident,” Mangwana stated.

“We extend our condolences to the family and express our full confidence in the South African authorities, who we trust will conduct a thorough investigation.

“As a nation grappling with one of the world’s highest rates of violent crime, South Africa’s police are experienced in such complex cases. We urge all parties to allow the process to proceed without harmful speculation.”

Opposition leaders in Zimbabwe have also weighed in.

Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) MP Gladys Hlatywayo said the killing bore “the footprints of an extraterritorial killing” and expressed hope that justice would prevail.

MDC leader Douglas Mwonzora described Saruwaka as “one of the most gifted, fearless and focused young people in our country,” condemning the violence as “murder most foul.”