Geza Deserves National Hero Status, Says Temba Mliswa

Outspoken former Norton MP Temba Mliswa has said that the late war veteran Blessed Runesu “Bombshell” Geza deserves to be declared a National Hero.

Geza, 73, who led a movement calling for the removal of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, died in the early hours of Friday at a hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa.

His eldest son, Fortune Geza, told News24 that his father had been hospitalised for nearly ten days.

Last year, Geza, then a member of the ruling ZANU-PF Central Committee, the party’s key decision-making body, broke ranks by opposing a motion to extend Mnangagwa’s term by two years.

In the months before his death, Geza was on the state’s wanted list over several criminal charges, including allegations of inciting violence, undermining the authority of the president, and terrorism, following his calls for mass protests aimed at forcing Mnangagwa from office.

After a series of explosive and expletive-laden press conferences in early 2025 in which he openly criticised the president and his allies, Geza fled to South Africa.

On X, Mliswa paid tribute to Geza, saying he stood firmly for what he believed in and had a deep love for his country. He said:

“Sekuru Geza was a man who stood for what he believed in. For that, he earned respect. While there may be differences over approach and tactics, the underlying cause remained his love for the country. For that and also his liberation credentials, he deserves to be a National Hero.”

Self-exiled former ZANU-PF Politburo member Saviour Kasukuwere said it was deeply unfortunate that Geza had to die in a foreign country, far from the land for which he gave everything during the liberation war. He wrote on X:

“I am saddened by the passing of Comrade Bombshell, Blessed Geza. He fought for our country during the liberation struggle when many were afraid to go and join the war.

“He went when he was a very young man, which shows that he truly loved our country and was prepared to sacrifice his life for its freedom.

“It is very unfortunate that he had to die in a foreign country, away from the land for which he sacrificed everything during the war of liberation.

“He showed courage even in his final days, at a time when many did not know that he was battling illness.

“That is the mark of someone who loved his country deeply and carried his pain with quiet dignity.

“There is no doubt that he ranks among the many heroes who were part of ZANU/ZAPU and later ZANUPF, who sacrificed immensely for our country, and who at times had disagreements rooted in ideology when they felt that the party was being led astray.

“That is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign of strength in someone who remained grounded in principle and committed to the bedrock of the struggle that liberated our country.”

Social media personality @LynneStactia described Geza as a fearless war veteran who boldly challenged the ED2030 and derailed ZANU-PF’s attempts to push through constitutional amendments in 2025.

Former CCC leader Nelson Chamisa also paid tribute, saying the flame Geza ignited will never be extinguished. He said:

“CDE GEZA…You broke rank. You saw the light and lit the way. A flame kindled that will never fade, only grow. The flame you kindled will forever glow and grow into a bonfire.

“You did your bit and sparked a flame no darkness can quench. The light lives on.

“There shall be no extension of anything !! Your declaration stands. My condolences to the nation, Geza family and friends.”

*Pindula*