Heavy police presence ahead of Geza demo

GOVERNMENT has responded to calls made by war veteran and former Zanu PF central committee member Blessed Geza for mass demonstrations, which it seems to be taking seriously, with a nationwide deployment of anti-riot police to thwart any uprising on March 31.

Geza recently called for demonstrations against alleged government incompetence and corruption on social media platforms through videos recorded at an undisclosed location.

His calls, have, however, been dismissed by government with Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Jenfan Muswere calling on Zimbabweans to ignore Geza’s calls.

The Zimbabwe Defence Forces reacted to Geza’s decision to wear military fatigue during the recording his videos by barring people from donning the garb and urging them not to abuse social media platforms.

However, sources in the security sector revealed to NewsDay that there will be an increase in police presence in high-density suburbs and other hotspots across towns and cities.

The sources said the military was on high alert ahead of the planned demonstrations.

Asked on the security situation in the country, police national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the police and government would issue statements soon.

“May you please wait for the appropriate statements from government structures and the police soon,” he said.

Nyathi has previously urged Zimbabweans to abide by the law.

“We want to remind the public that any form of protest must be conducted within the confines of the law. We will not tolerate any acts of violence, destruction of property or disruption of peace,” Nyathi told NewsDay.

“Those who incite violence or participate in illegal activities will face the full wrath of the law. We urge citizens to remain peaceful and not to be misled by individuals.”

Church leaders across the country have issued a heartfelt plea for peace and calm as the nation braces for the March 31 planned demonstrations.

Evangelical Fellowship Pastor Brighton Dengu called on all parties to exercise restraint and prioritise dialogue over violence.

“We call upon all Zimbabweans to remain peaceful and to seek constructive ways to address their grievances,” he said. “Violence and repression will only deepen the divisions in our nation.”

Dengu appealed to government to respect citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.

“The voices of the people must be heard, not silenced. We urge the authorities to engage in meaningful dialogue with those who feel marginalised and to address the root causes of their discontent,” he said.

Geza, who has since gone into hiding, has accused President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration of alleged corruption and economic mismanagement, which he claims have plunged Zimbabwe into poverty and despair.

“We cannot remain silent while our country is looted and our people suffer,” Geza said during his social media address. The March 31 protests are a peaceful call for accountability and change. We demand that Mnangagwa and his administration step up or step aside,” he said.

However, Muswere has warned that government will not tolerate any form of unrest in Zimbabwe.

His statement has raised fears of a repeat of past crackdowns on protests, which have resulted in violence and human life losses. With tensions running high, many Zimbabweans are hoping for a peaceful resolution to the crisis. Newsday