“We Had Absolutely No Role” – Zimbabwe Govt Breaks Silence On Blessed Geza Death In South Africa

The Zimbabwean government has publicly denied any involvement in the death of liberation war veteran and former Zanu-PF central committee member Blessed Runesu Geza, following intense online speculation after his death in South Africa.

The firm denial came two days after Geza died in Johannesburg on February 6, 2026, with government officials insisting the state played no part in the circumstances surrounding his passing. The response followed growing debate on social media, where some users questioned why Geza died outside Zimbabwe and whether politics played a role.

Government spokesperson Mr Nick Mangwana, who is also the Permanent Secretary for Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, addressed the issue in a post published on February 8, 2026.

“We categorically reject the unfounded allegations being pushed around the internet regarding the tragic death of a Zimbabwean national in South Africa,” Mangwana said.

“We had absolutely no role in this incident.”

Govt Rejects Allegations And Urges Calm

Mangwana said Zimbabwe had extended its condolences to Geza’s family and called on the public to avoid speculation while South African authorities handled the matter.

“We extend our condolences to the family and express our full confidence in the South African authorities, who we trust will conduct a thorough investigation,” he said.

“We urge all parties to allow the process to proceed without harmful speculation.”

Mangwana also pointed to South Africa’s crime environment, saying law enforcement agencies there were experienced in dealing with complex cases.

“As a nation grappling with one of the world’s highest rates of violent crime, South Africa’s police are experienced in such complex cases,” he added.

His remarks triggered a flood of responses on X. Some users accused the government of reacting defensively, while others questioned the relevance of violent crime references in a case involving illness.

One user, DCM Ncube, wrote:

“You neglected the health facilities to the extent of them looking like ruins. No pain killing tablets. No beds. No ambulances.”

Another, Farai Mazhindu, said:

“When the first instinct is to release a defence before a single investigation has begun, it tells you everything you need to know about the system.”

Family Confirms Death In Johannesburg

Geza’s family confirmed his death late on February 6, 2026. They said the former Sanyati Member of Parliament died at a cardiac hospital in Johannesburg. The family did not disclose the name of the facility.

“He touched many lives with his fight for justice to ensure that all Zimbabweans realise their aspirations,” the family said.

Friends and associates said Geza had been battling cancer for some time. He was 71 years old at the time of his death.

Geza rose to renewed prominence in January 2025 after openly criticising President Emmerson Mnangagwa and calling for his resignation. He was later removed from Zanu-PF’s central committee and became the subject of treason-related charges, which saw him remain outside Zimbabwe.

From South Africa, he regularly addressed supporters through online broadcasts. These calls resulted in one national job boycott, while later attempts at mass protests were met with arrests by security forces inside Zimbabwe.

Final Messages And Tributes

Even before his death was formally announced, a post appeared on Geza’s X account in which he spoke openly about his failing health.

“As I speak to you now, I feel my energy sapping; I might not be here tomorrow, next week, or next month,” he wrote.

Tributes followed news of his death. Former local government minister Saviour Kasukuwere said Geza’s passing in exile was painful.

“It is very unfortunate that he had to die in a foreign country, away from the land for which he sacrificed everything during the war of liberation,” Kasukuwere said.