Harare – President Emmerson Mnangagwa is reportedly preparing to implement a significant restructuring of Zimbabwe’s security and government sectors, leading to the dismissal of several high-ranking officials.
The most prominent change will be the removal of Police Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga, according to sources who spoke to the Zimbabwe Independent this week. This sweeping overhaul will extend beyond the police force, impacting numerous senior government officials across various departments.
The imminent dismissal of Commissioner-General Matanga marks a decisive move by President Mnangagwa. Appointed in 2018 following the departure of Augustine Chihuri, Matanga’s tenure will end prematurely, falling short of his expected term which was set to conclude in 2028.
In 2017, following the military intervention that led to the departure of long-time president Robert Mugabe, Mnangagwa initiated a wave of retirements among senior police officers, including Deputy Commissioner-Generals Innocent Matibiri, Levi Sibanda, and Josephine Shambare. These actions were part of a broader restructuring of the security apparatus.
While the exact reasons for Commissioner-General Matanga’s dismissal remain officially unconfirmed, sources suggest that the decision is part of a wider effort to revitalise the police force and align it more closely with President Mnangagwa’s vision. One senior government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that the changes aim to combat corruption within the police force and improve overall efficiency.
The planned dismissals extend beyond the ZRP. The government source also indicated that several senior government officials across various ministries and departments are expected to lose their positions. While specific names have not yet been publicly released, the source implied that the firings are part of a broader effort to improve governance and efficiency across the government.
“Significant movement of senior civil servants is also expected soon,” the source stated, adding that the changes aim to “reposition the state’s administration to better align with current goals.”
This ongoing restructuring initiative, which began in 2018, is partly motivated by concerns about the financial performance of underperforming parastatals. Their contribution to the country’s GDP has significantly declined, falling from 40% in the 1990s to just 12% by 2021. The government clearly intends to streamline operations and improve the overall effectiveness of state-owned enterprises.
The Home Affairs minister, Kazembe Kazembe, when approached for comment, stated that he was unaware of the impending changes, citing his absence on government business. Efforts to contact Chief Secretary to the Office of the President and Cabinet, Martin Rushwaya, and Commissioner-General Matanga directly were unsuccessful.
