Geza’s Day of Rage: Zimbabweans Opt for Safety Over Protests
On the day of planned protests in Zimbabwe, citizens largely stayed at home, leading to reduced movement in Harare and Bulawayo. Police presence was heavy as they searched for weapons and ensured security. Activist Blessed Geza’s call for uprising faced limited participation, reflecting public fear and the government’s security measures.
On Monday, the police enforced checkpoints throughout major cities in Zimbabwe, conducting searches for potential weapons ahead of anticipated anti-government protests. Consequently, traffic to the centers of Harare and Bulawayo diminished significantly as numerous individuals opted not to attend work and children remained at home.
In Bulawayo, the police patrolled key areas such as Joshua Mqabuko Street in an effort to prevent any disturbances. A correspondent noted an unusual stillness, likening the atmosphere to a quiet Sunday morning with few people or vehicles present.
Prominent war veteran Blessed Geza urged citizens to revolt against President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration, citing failures in leadership and mere superficiality regarding corruption. Although authorities have accused Geza of treason, he has successfully evaded arrest.
Leading up to the protests, Geza shared a message on social media, calling for mass mobilization: “Let’s fill up the streets. Mnangagwa must go. It’s for every Zimbabwean. Let’s stand up against corrupt rule.”
Despite the expectation of large protests beginning at 8 AM, local reports indicated a lack of public demonstration, suggesting that many citizens chose to stay home due to perceived risks. A correspondent suggested that this could be seen as a partial victory for Geza, indicating that his actions had incited considerable unrest and potential economic disruption.
Many large supermarkets in both Harare and Bulawayo were closed, further reflecting the subdued environment. In light of the protests, the police had previously encouraged citizens to continue their daily routines, assuring them of adequate security measures.
In a notable move, authorities canceled leave for all police officers and surprised them with a payment of US$50 last Saturday. Furthermore, police detectives were required to sign a loyalty agreement as part of their commitment to uphold the directives given by the police commissioner and maintain confidentiality regarding suspects in custody.
In summary, the anticipated protests against President Mnangagwa faced significant public reluctance, resulting in a nationwide stay-at-home response. Police readiness and the atmosphere of fear contributed to an unusual calm in major cities. The actions and declarations made by war veteran Blessed Geza highlight ongoing discontent with the current regime. However, the response of the citizens suggests caution amid fears of repression.
Original Source: www.thezimbabwemail.com
