Drama as Geza's body returns home

Police in Masvingo yesterday briefly dispersed vendors and informal foreign currency dealers at the city's main cross-border bus terminus ahead of the anticipated passage of the body of outspoken war veteran and anti-corruption campaigner Blessed Geza.

Unbeknownst to the security personnel, Geza's body had already passed through and was en route to Mvuma by the time officers, accompanied by dogs, moved through the area, clearing vendors and onlookers who had gathered to witness the cortege.

Geza, who died last week in South Africa, had crossed into Zimbabwe via the Beitbridge border post earlier in the day and was being transported by convoy to Harare critic of corruption and an opponent of attempts to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's tenure beyond constitutional limits. Following threats of arrest by the Zimbabwe Republic Police in February last year, Geza fled the country and continued his activism from exile, exposing alleged corruption through a YouTube channel and mobilising citizens against the government.

Geza is expected to be buried at his farm in Sanyati, Mashonaland West province. While Zanu-PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa stated that Geza deserved national hero status, President Mnangagwa and his government have yet to comment on the war veteran's death, a week after it was reported.