10 war veterans join Geza protests

Ten war veterans have been charged following a failed attempt to lead protests against President Emmerson Mnangagwa in Harare, in what authorities say was linked to a call by former Zanu-PF Central Committee member Blessed Geza. The demonstrations were aimed at denouncing alleged state capture and a controversial plan to extend Mnangagwa's term of office from 2028 to 2030.

The veterans, aged between 48 and 75, appeared barefoot at the Harare magistrates court yesterday, singing liberation war songs as they faced charges of "participating in a gathering with intent to promote public violence, breaches of peace or bigotry" under section 37(1)(a)(i) of the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act. Their bail hearing has been postponed to tomorrow, and they will remain in custody over the weekend.

Police heavily deployed in the capital reportedly foiled the planned million-men march called by Geza. The veterans, identified as Rose Chirenje (65), Nyarai Chigudu (52), Kenesia Jera (62), Edward Mandikutse (69), Dexter Jena (69), Hazvinel Machingura (69), Stephen Chagwiza (48), Jacob Masaraure (75), Mapengo Mapengo (57), and Joephrey Chigwerewe (70), were arrested near Africa Unity Square at the corner of George Silundika Avenue and Sam Nujoma Street, while other participants reportedly fled.

The state's outline said the accused were found with stones, boulders, and other objects around the scene. Detectives from CID Law and Order Harare acted on intelligence that the veterans and their accomplices intended to incite public unrest, singing songs that accused "economic saboteurs" of corruption and theft.

Geza had earlier accused Mnangagwa of enabling corrupt businessmen to siphon billions from state coffers through inflated tenders. His call for protest follows a similar nationwide shutdown in March. Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga has publicly condemned corruption in the country and called for the arrest of key business figures, including Wicknell Chivhayo, Scott Sakupwanya, and Kudakwashe Tagwirei, for alleged state capture.

Some war veterans told reporters that a larger crowd had assembled in Harare's central business district, but the protest was called off after they were warned that members of the Zanu-PF-linked Forever Associates of Zimbabwe (Faz) were patrolling the streets in collaboration with security personnel to intimidate protesters. The veterans claimed that about 20 of their colleagues were assaulted near Herald House by Faz operatives during the attempted march.

Despite the setback, the veterans insisted that protests would continue in the future, emphasizing their determination to hold the government accountable. "We will still protest soon to force Mnangagwa to go, we have suffered," one veteran said, reflecting the growing frustration among citizens who fear continued state corruption and political impunity.