Tinotenda Hove – The family of liberation war veteran and political activist Blessed Runesu Geza has officially confirmed his death, bringing clarity after a day of intense public attention surrounding his health.

In a statement attributed to the Geza family and published by the Daily News, the family announced that Geza, popularly known as “Cde Bombshell,” died on Friday morning at a cardiac hospital in South Africa.

“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our hero, Cde Blessed Runesu Geza, popularly known as Cde Bombshell,” the statement reads. “He left us this morning at a cardio hospital in South Africa.”

The family paid tribute to Geza’s lifelong commitment to justice and national ideals. “Mr Geza touched many lives with his fight for justice to ensure that all Zimbabweans realise their aspirations,” the statement said.

Zimbabweans were urged to remain strong during the period of mourning, with the family cautioning against any attempts to exploit the situation financially. “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 family said.

They added that funeral arrangements were still being finalised. “We will give you the name and contact details of the person who will speak on behalf of the family in due course,” the statement concluded.

The confirmation of Geza’s death followed an emotional message he posted earlier on social media platform X, in which he suggested his health was failing.

“Fellow Zimbabweans, I come to you at this unusual hour, my heart heavy with sorrow,” Geza wrote.

He spoke of his fear that he might not live to witness political change in the country. “I am in pain that I might not see the new Zimbabwe after Emmerson, but I take solace in the hope that you will continue the faith for a free and prosperous nation – the Zimbabwe I fiercely fought for,” he said.

Reflecting on the liberation struggle, Geza recalled the sacrifices made by his comrades. “We fought fierce battles, and the memories of our dear comrades who fell to the enemy’s guns and bombs still haunt us,” he wrote.
He also revisited the November 2017 removal of former president Robert Mugabe. “When we recognised that Mugabe had betrayed the covenant forged in our battle for this country, we made the decision to remove him in November 2017,” he said, adding that he later apologised after what followed “became a nightmare.”

Geza criticised the current administration, writing, “Mnangagwa has fared even worse, completely neglecting the values we fought for,” and accusing it of presiding over “unprecedented levels of corruption” and the erosion of public institutions through cronyism and nepotism.

His most concerning remarks related to his health. “As I speak to you now, I feel my energy sapping; I might not be here tomorrow, next week, or next month,” he said.

Despite the sombre tone, Geza urged Zimbabweans to remain united. “In these final moments, I want you to carry my message in your hearts: you are not alone,” he wrote. “Even as I prepare to leave this world, I do so with the conviction that our struggle continues.”

He ended with a blessing: “I believe in you, in your strength, and your capacity for change. May God bless you, may God bless Zimbabwe.”
Geza signed off as “Blessed Runesu Geza, aka Cde Bombshell.”