Police in Harare told street-side tire sellers to move their products away from stalls because they fear protesters might take and burn them during next Monday's demonstrations on March 31, 2025. Vendors in Kambuzuma said police officers came around checking if everyone had cleared their tires from view. One officer explained they worried protesters would steal and burn the tires. During past protests like those in January 2019 and August 1, people burned tires to block roads.
Bars in Chitungwiza face similar issues. Workers at drinking spots in Zengeza 2 said police ordered them to shut down between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. A customer called this an "unofficial curfew" they disagree with. Many have seen trucks full of police officers driving around to ensure these rules are followed. These measures come ahead of planned protests led by war veteran Blessed 'Bombshell' Geza.
The protesters want President Emmerson Mnangagwa to step down and accuse him of allowing serious corruption among his close friends. This situation mirrors what happened in 2017 when Mnangagwa himself led efforts to force former President Robert Mugabe to resign. Back then, Mnangagwa worked with war veterans and the military to convince millions of Zimbabweans to march against Mugabe.
Geza has spent recent weeks attacking Mnangagwa and praising Vice President Constantino Chiwenga. He claims Chiwenga will tackle corrupt people who have taken over the presidency and government. Geza named about five local business leaders he accuses of illegally making money from government contracts. Chiwenga referred to these same individuals as 'Zvigananda.' Police want to arrest Geza, but he remains hidden since authorities detained journalist Blessed Mhlanga for broadcasting an interview with him. Geza stated, "People are protecting me because I stand for people's wishes."
Bars in Chitungwiza face similar issues. Workers at drinking spots in Zengeza 2 said police ordered them to shut down between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. A customer called this an "unofficial curfew" they disagree with. Many have seen trucks full of police officers driving around to ensure these rules are followed. These measures come ahead of planned protests led by war veteran Blessed 'Bombshell' Geza.
The protesters want President Emmerson Mnangagwa to step down and accuse him of allowing serious corruption among his close friends. This situation mirrors what happened in 2017 when Mnangagwa himself led efforts to force former President Robert Mugabe to resign. Back then, Mnangagwa worked with war veterans and the military to convince millions of Zimbabweans to march against Mugabe.
Geza has spent recent weeks attacking Mnangagwa and praising Vice President Constantino Chiwenga. He claims Chiwenga will tackle corrupt people who have taken over the presidency and government. Geza named about five local business leaders he accuses of illegally making money from government contracts. Chiwenga referred to these same individuals as 'Zvigananda.' Police want to arrest Geza, but he remains hidden since authorities detained journalist Blessed Mhlanga for broadcasting an interview with him. Geza stated, "People are protecting me because I stand for people's wishes."
