By Ziyah News Reporter
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has launched a manhunt for Blessed Runesu Geza, a Zanu PF war veteran and outspoken critic of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, on charges of theft, inciting public violence, and insulting the President.
According to Commissioner Paul Nyathi, in a statement, Geza faces four counts of criminal charges, including theft of three vehicles belonging to a complainant, undermining the authority of or insulting the President, and inciting the public to commit violence.
“Theft allegations as defined in Section 113 of the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act, Chapter 9: 23. The suspect stole and disposed of three vehicles belonging to a complainant without his consent,” read part of the statement.
“He is also facing two counts of contravening Section 33 (2) (a) (ii) of the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act, Chapter 9: 23, ‘Undermining the Authority of or insulting the President,'” Nyathi’s statement read.
The police further warned that anyone found harboring Geza or assisting him in evading questioning will also face arrest and prosecution.
Geza, a Zanu PF Central Committee member, has been a vocal critic of President Mnangagwa’s administration, accusing him of corruption and nepotism, and of planning to extend his term beyond the constitutionally mandated limit.
Geza has also called for Mnangagwa’s resignation and has warned that if the President fails to step down peacefully, the public will use the constitution to remove him from office.
“We implore you to resign peacefully. If you don’t resign in peace, people will use the constitution to exercise their right to push you out of office,” Geza stated.
Geza’s arrest comes as President Mnangagwa faces growing pressure to step down at the end of his term in 2028. Despite publicly pledging to step down, critics warn that this may be a ruse to stay in power beyond his constitutional limit as loyalist continue canvassing and threatening anyone who oppose the proposed term extension.