Blessed Runesu Geza, a Zimbabwean political figure, former war veteran, and outspoken critic of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, has died in South Africa, his family announced on . He was 82 or 83 years old.
Known popularly as “Bombshell” Geza, he had been living as a fugitive since , facing multiple criminal charges, including terrorism, after launching a public campaign against Mnangagwa’s government. The charges stemmed from his calls for mass protests demanding the president’s resignation.
Geza was expelled from the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) in after publicly accusing Mnangagwa of corruption, treason, nepotism, and betraying the ideals of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle. His expulsion marked a significant escalation in internal dissent within ZANU-PF, a party that has dominated Zimbabwean politics since independence in 1980.
The BBC reported in that Geza’s criticisms had evoked memories of the events leading up to the 2017 coup that ousted Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe’s long-time leader. Like Mugabe’s downfall, Geza’s challenge to Mnangagwa came from within the ranks of war veterans, a powerful constituency within ZANU-PF.
Geza’s background was steeped in Zimbabwe’s struggle for independence. He claimed to have joined the Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army (ZANLA) during the Second Chimurenga, the armed conflict against white-minority rule in Rhodesia. However, details of his early life and specific contributions to the liberation struggle remained vague and poorly documented, leading to questions about the authenticity of his war veteran status. According to reports, he was born in rural Zimbabwe during the Rhodesian era.
The emergence of Geza as a vocal opponent of Mnangagwa coincided with growing discontent within Zimbabwe over economic hardship, political repression, and allegations of widespread corruption. His fiery rhetoric and willingness to publicly challenge the president resonated with some Zimbabweans disillusioned with the current government. He frequently used expletive-laden language in his public addresses, according to the BBC, reflecting a deep-seated frustration with the political establishment.
Geza’s campaign against Mnangagwa also focused on attempts to change the country’s laws to allow the president to seek a third term in office. He argued that such a move would betray the principles of democratic governance and perpetuate authoritarian rule. This issue tapped into broader concerns about the erosion of democratic institutions in Zimbabwe.
While in hiding, Geza continued to call for political change, utilizing social media and other platforms to reach his supporters. His death in South Africa brings an end to a period of political turmoil and uncertainty within ZANU-PF. The circumstances surrounding his death have not been immediately disclosed.
His wife is Roseline Ndaizivei Tawengwa. Family members have reportedly asked the public to ignore any calls for cash donations towards his funeral expenses.
The death of “Bombshell” Geza leaves a void in the opposition to Mnangagwa’s rule, though the long-term impact of his challenge remains to be seen. His case highlighted the deep divisions within ZANU-PF and the growing dissatisfaction among some Zimbabweans with the country’s political and economic trajectory. The succession dynamics within the ruling party are likely to be closely watched in the coming months.
Geza’s story underscores the complex political landscape of Zimbabwe, a nation grappling with the legacy of colonialism, the challenges of economic development, and the ongoing struggle for democratic governance. His life and death serve as a reminder of the risks faced by those who dare to challenge the established order in a country with a history of political repression.
