By Staff Reporter
Government has deployed heavy security across Harare in a bid to thwart planned protests led by fugitive war veteran Blessed Geza, who is calling for President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s resignation.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) anti-riot unit has flooded the Central Business District (CBD), creating a tense atmosphere as authorities move to pre-empt the demonstrations, dubbed the “Million Man March.”
Africa Unity Square, which had been designated as the main protest site, has been cordoned off and heavily patrolled by police officers.
Armoured tankers have been rolled onto the streets, and pedestrians are being denied entry into Africa Unity Square. ZRP officers are stationed at key intersections, including Cameroon, Jason Moyo, Rezende and Robert Mugabe streets.
Further down the city, Robert Mugabe Square has also been sealed off by anti-riot units, with driving school operators ordered to vacate the area, adding to the uneasy atmosphere.
Police have also released horses from stables, in what observers described as a show of force and panic by the authorities.
In a statement issued Thursday, the ZRP warned that any attempts to stage protests would be met with firm resistance.
“Acts of violence, threats, vandalism, or incitement to commit crime will be severely dealt with in line with the country’s laws.
Any attempts to engage in unlawful demonstrations, gatherings, or processions will be met with the full wrath of the law,” read the statement from ZRP.
Geza has called for nationwide demonstrations to express public anger over what he terms state capture and grand corruption by a clique of powerful businessmen allegedly protected by Mnangagwa’s administration.
He has also spoken out against Zanu PF’s push to extend Mnangagwa’s rule beyond the constitutionally mandated two terms, which expire in 2028.
The protests coincide with the ruling party’s National People’s Conference currently underway in Mutare, which has been overshadowed by factional tensions between Mnangagwa and his deputy, Constantino Chiwenga.