Zimbabwean Political Activist Blessed Geza Dies in South Africa
Blessed Runesu Geza, the outspoken Zimbabwean political activist and former ZANU PF member known by his nickname “Bombshell,” has died. His family confirmed he passed away on Thursday morning at a cardiac hospital in South Africa.
Geza, 45, gained national attention in recent years for his fierce criticism of the ruling ZANU PF party and the government of President Emmerson Mnangagwa. His confrontational rhetoric and public statements earned him the moniker “Bombshell,” reflecting the disruptive impact his commentary had on the country’s political discourse. To supporters, he was a vocal advocate for the marginalized and a persistent voice for political change. Critics, however, frequently labelled his approach as inflammatory and divisive.
In a statement, the Geza family described him as “our hero” who dedicated his life to the fight for justice and the aspirations of the Zimbabwean people. “Mr Geza touched many lives with his fight for justice to ensure that all Zimbabweans realise their aspirations,” the family said.
The family also issued a strong warning against potential fundraising scams exploiting his death. They cautioned the public to disregard any solicitations, specifically mentioning online platforms like GoFundMe, purportedly for his funeral expenses. “We are aware some people would want to cash in on his death, and we encourage Zimbabweans to ignore any call for GoFundMe towards his funeral,” the statement read.
The family stated that official funeral and burial arrangements are still being finalized. They pledged to communicate all details through a designated family spokesperson in due course. They also expressed gratitude to all who have sent messages of support following his passing.
Geza’s death removes a prominent, if polarizing, figure from Zimbabwe’s opposition landscape. His legacy is marked by his unyielding critique of the establishment and his ability to galvanize public discourse, leaving a complex imprint on the nation’s contemporary political history. The family’s call for vigilance against scams underscores the challenges of managing a public figure’s legacy in the digital age.
