Zanu-PF moves to expel Geza over 'treasonous' attacks on Mnangagwa

The Zanu-PF Mashonaland West provincial executive has called for the expulsion of outspoken war veteran and central committee member, Blessed Runesu Geza, following his scathing attacks on President Emmerson Mnangagwa's leadership.

Geza, who has been leading a faction of war veterans critical of Mnangagwa, has accused the President of constitutional violations, failing to combat corruption, and betraying the ideals of the liberation struggle. He has also called for Mnangagwa to step down immediately.

The provincial executive, led by Zanu-PF politburo member and Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, convened a meeting on Monday in Zvimba East constituency and recommended that the party's national disciplinary committee expel Geza for his remarks, which they labeled "treasonous."

"The attack on President Mnangagwa by Geza shows that he is not well-versed with the party's constitution, which calls for members to respect their leaders," Ziyambi told The Herald, a State-owned publication.

"We cannot fold our hands and let Geza go haywire. If he wanted to denounce the President, he should have waited for the party's Congress slated for 2027, where any member is allowed to challenge the sitting First Secretary and President as we elect a new leader and presidential candidate."

Mashonaland West provincial chairperson Mary Mliswa-Chikoka echoed Ziyambi's sentiments, stating that the province remains firmly behind Mnangagwa's leadership. She condemned Geza's remarks as "treasonous."

Geza has been unrelenting in his criticism of Mnangagwa, recently apologizing for supporting the 2017 military coup that ousted long-time ruler Robert Mugabe and brought Mnangagwa to power.

Speaking in an interview with HSTV, an Alpha Media Holdings-run digital broadcaster, Geza expressed regret over his role in replacing Mugabe with Mnangagwa, accusing the President of prioritizing personal gain over national interests.

"We gave you Mnangagwa with the hope that he would lead our country toward recovery, uphold the constitution, and restore hope to the people. But as soon as he tasted power, he escalated corruption, abandoned the people, and remembered only his family," Geza said.

He further criticized Mnangagwa for undermining the legacy of the liberation struggle, adding: "We fought for a Zimbabwe where everyone would have a seat at the table, not for a few thieves cloaking themselves in robes of power. It is unacceptable for a small clique to ruin the legacy of the liberation struggle."

Geza's remarks have deepened divisions within Zanu-PF, which is already grappling with internal factionalism over Mnangagwa's leadership and the push by some party members to extend his tenure beyond the constitutional two-term limit.

The fallout between Geza and the Mashonaland West provincial leadership highlights the growing dissent within the ruling party. While Mnangagwa's loyalists continue to defend his leadership, factions opposed to his rule have been increasingly vocal, accusing him of betraying the party's founding principles.

The national disciplinary committee is expected to deliberate on Geza's fate in the coming weeks, as the ruling party seeks to suppress dissent and maintain unity ahead of its 2027 Congress.