KEY POINTS
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Muswere warned against Geza’s shutdown as a threat to Zimbabwe’s peace.
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The government labelled the protest call as cyber terrorism and misinformation.
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Geza remains wanted by police for previous protest actions and threats.
Information Minister Jenfan Muswere has condemned former Zanu PF colleague Blessed Geza as an enemy of progress.
He also labelled him a terrorist for calling for a two-day national shutdown on April 22 and 23, 2025. Geza, in a Saturday night address, urged Zimbabweans to boycott work and stay home to protest misrule. The aim, he said, was to pressure President Emmerson Mnangagwa to resign from office.
The protest follows an earlier failed attempt on March 31, 2025, which had minimal participation. It involved a stay-away and a few scattered flash demonstrations in the capital, Harare.
According to New Zimbabwe, Geza appeared in military attire during his video address, speaking from an undisclosed location. “On Tuesday and Wednesday, the 22nd and 23rd of April 2025, everyone must stay home,” Geza said.
“Shops and industries will not open, and kombis will be parked. The police will not tear gas you,” he added.
He assured the public that the 95 protesters arrested in March would be released. He also mentioned HSTV journalist Blessed Mhlanga, who remains in detention.
Muswere condemns shutdown as cyber terrorism
During a press briefing, Muswere called on the public to reject Geza’s appeal. “We must remain united against cyber terrorism and enemies of progress,” Muswere said on Sunday.
He emphasised that the internet should be used for national development, not misinformation. Muswere described Geza and his supporters as unproductive charlatans spreading falsehoods.
He said they intend to damage Zimbabwe’s image and reverse the gains of the liberation struggle. Muswere also accused them of demonising national leadership and sowing division among citizens.
Mnangagwa urges unity amid shutdown threats
President Mnangagwa addressed the nation during the 45th Independence celebrations in Gokwe. Though he did not mention Geza by name, Mnangagwa dismissed instigators on social media.
Geza has continued to use social platforms to communicate with Zimbabweans about his protest plans. He has been wanted by the police since early February over previous actions and ongoing threats.
Geza claimed that the government would soon collapse and urged citizens to stand firm. “The writing is on the wall. Mnangagwa will soon be out of office,” he claimed.
