By Crime and Courts Reporter-The Emmerson Mnangagwa regime has launched a nationwide manhunt for individuals who participated in the March 31 national shutdown organized by celebrated war veteran Blessed Geza.
The regime, which has increasingly sidelined the once-feared Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) in favour of Military Intelligence, is reportedly tracking down protesters both online and offline.
Sources within Military Intelligence say the operation involves identifying and arresting individuals at their homes and workplaces, based on video footage, social media activity, and public surveillance.
“It’s a simple exercise. We are gathering intelligence from videos, social media posts, and public discussions where people encouraged others to overthrow a democratically elected president,” a security source revealed.
Police have also been ordered to assist in the crackdown.
So far, authorities have arrested 98 people over the protest, which paralyzed parts of Zimbabwe.
The mass arrests have intensified concerns about police brutality and Mnangagwa’s growing paranoia over a potential military-led ouster, similar to the 2017 coup that brought him to power.
The arrested protesters appeared in court on Tuesday, charged with participating in a gathering with intent to promote public violence.
Of the 98 accused, 95 appeared before provincial magistrate Isheunesu Matova, who remanded them to April 10 for a bail ruling.
The remaining three were taken before magistrate Ruth Moyo, who set their bail hearing and trial for April 4.
Prosecutors are strongly opposing bail.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) alleges that demonstrators gathered at Freedom Square at around 9:20 AM, intending to march into Harare’s streets and ultimately proceed to State House to forcibly remove Mnangagwa.
Court documents cite chants such as “Enough is enough, Mnangagwa must go!” and “Madzibaba Veshanduko, come and lead us!” as evidence of an attempt to incite rebellion.
Authorities claim that 94 individuals were arrested at the scene, while the 95th was tracked down and arrested at his home after being identified in circulating images and videos.
Monday saw an overwhelming police presence in Harare and other cities, successfully quelling the protests.
The demonstrations were largely driven by outrage over Zanu PF’s controversial push to extend Mnangagwa’s rule beyond the constitutional limit.
Mnangagwa, now 82, has grown increasingly distrustful of his former allies, particularly war veterans who once championed his presidency but now accuse him of betraying the liberation ideals.
Blessed Geza and a faction of ex-combatants have emerged as some of Mnangagwa’s most vocal critics, fueling speculation about deeper fractures within Zimbabwe’s ruling elite.
The government’s heavy-handed response to the March 31 protests reflects its broader strategy of dealing with dissent—through mass arrests, intimidation, and brute force.
Zimbabwe’s security forces have a long history of violently suppressing opposition movements, using arbitrary detentions, beatings, and torture to silence critics.
Since taking power in 2017, Mnangagwa has relied on the military and police to consolidate his rule.
However, with growing divisions within Zanu PF and rising discontent in the security sector, his grip on power appears increasingly fragile.
The latest crackdown, particularly against war veterans, underscores Mnangagwa’s deepening fear of an internal rebellion—one that could ultimately mirror the coup that ended Robert Mugabe’s rule.