Zimbabwean Liberation War Veteran and Vocal Mnangagwa Critic Blessed Geza Passes Away

Blessed Runesu “Bombshell” Geza, an outspoken and controversial Zimbabwean war veteran who publicly pushed for the removal of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, has died in a Johannesburg hospital, his family said. He was 73.

The family said Geza had been hospitalized for about 10 days and died at a cardiology facility in Johannesburg. They announced his death on social media and warned the public to be wary of any solicitations for cash donations allegedly for his funeral.

Once a member of the Zanu-PF Central Committee, Geza turned against the ruling party after rejecting a proposal to extend Mnangagwa’s term, a move that underscored a rare and very public split in party ranks. In early 2025 he held a series of fiery press conferences calling for mass demonstrations and demanding the president step down.

Following those appearances, Geza left Zimbabwe for South Africa. Zimbabwean authorities later charged him in absentia with counts that included inciting violence, undermining the president and terrorism tied to his calls for mass protests, according to family statements and public reports at the time.

Geza’s prominence in Zimbabwean politics had been defined by his history as a war veteran and his later role as a dissident voice challenging Zanu-PF leadership. His critics accused him of stoking unrest; his supporters said he was speaking out against entrenched power and alleged efforts to extend executive authority.

The family’s warning about donation appeals reflected growing concern in recent years over fraudulent fundraising and exploitation around the deaths of public figures. They said they would provide details on funeral arrangements through official family channels and asked the public to ignore unverified appeals.

Geza’s death comes amid ongoing political tensions in Zimbabwe, where disputes over leadership, protest rights and the handling of dissent have periodically roiled the country. Geza’s departure from Zanu-PF and subsequent activism made him a polarizing figure both inside Zimbabwe and among the diaspora in South Africa.

Further details about the circumstances of his death and plans for repatriation of his remains were not immediately available. The family has not released a full public schedule for memorial services, saying only that they would make announcements when arrangements were confirmed.

Journalists and authorities in Zimbabwe had, earlier, flagged the charges against Geza as part of a broader crackdown on those accused of incitement. His death is likely to rekindle debate among Zimbabweans about dissent, accountability and the limits of political protest.

By News-room
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.