On a planned protest day in Zimbabwe, police heightened security with checkpoints, leading to a significant drop in public activity. Many residents stayed home from work and school, showing signs of fear regarding the protests against President Mnangagwa. Geza’s rallying cry did not result in the expected protests, illustrating the current climate of apprehension among the populace.
On Monday, authorities in Zimbabwe intensified security by establishing checkpoints on major roadways, searching vehicles for potential weapons ahead of anticipated protests against the government. Traffic flow was significantly diminished in key areas such as Harare and Bulawayo, with many residents opting to remain home from work and avoiding schools altogether.
In Bulawayo, law enforcement patrolled the nearly deserted Joshua Mqabuko Street, creating a tense atmosphere amid the preparations for unrest. A correspondent for ZimLive noted that the city resembled a tranquil Sunday morning, devoid of significant activity.
Blessed Geza, a vocal war veteran, had rallied for an uprising against President Emmerson Mnangagwa, accusing him of failing in leadership and ignoring corruption. Although Geza faces treason charges, he has managed to evade capture.
The night before the planned protests, Geza urged citizens via social media to take to the streets, asserting, “Lets fill up the streets. Mnangagwa gust go. It’s for every Zimbabwean. Lets stand up against corrupt rule.” Despite his calls, the streets remained largely silent at 8 AM, with no visible protests observed.
A ZimLive correspondent remarked that Geza’s efforts seemed to have backfired, leading many to stay home out of fear, thereby causing disruptions that could potentially impact the economy. Numerous large supermarkets in both cities chose to remain closed amidst the climate of apprehension.
In response to the potential unrest, police reassured citizens that they could carry on with their daily activities, emphasizing that security measures were in place. Additionally, all leave for police officers was rescinded, and they received an unexpected deposit of US$50 in their accounts. Detectives were also required to sign a document under the Official Secrets Act, binding them to loyalty and compliance with government directives.
In summary, on a day marked by intended protests against President Mnangagwa, heightened police presence and public apprehension led to significantly diminished activity in major Zimbabwean cities. While the government’s response aimed to ensure public order, the fear of repercussions resulted in a notably quiet day, with many opting to stay home. Geza’s call for action has seemingly resulted in the opposite of intended mobilization, raising questions about the future of dissent and the state’s reaction to potential unrest.
Original Source: www.thezimbabwemail.com
