President Emmerson Mnangagwa has confirmed the retirement of Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga, effective 31 December 2024.
The announcement, made by Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Martin Rushwaya, confirms a significant shift in the nation’s security apparatus and hints at further sweeping changes within the government.
Rushwaya’s statement, citing Section 221(1) of the Zimbabwean Constitution, officially confirmed the appointment of Mutamba: “In terms of Section 221(1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, His Excellency, the President Cde Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa has appointed Deputy Commissioner General Stephen Mutamba as Commissioner General of the Zimbabwe Republic Police.” While the statement provides the official line on Matanga’s departure, unsubstantiated reports suggest a possible reassignment to a diplomatic post.
Matanga’s tenure, which began in 2018 following the departure of Augustine Chihuri, has been marked by politically sensitive periods. He oversaw the police force during a time when numerous opposition activists and human rights defenders faced arrest and lengthy incarceration, often on charges of convening illegal gatherings or inciting violence. These actions have drawn criticism and fuelled allegations of police partisanship. His leadership will be remembered for both its challenges and its successes.
This move is not an isolated incident. Sources speaking to the Zimbabwe Independent last month indicated that President Mnangagwa was preparing a significant restructuring across multiple government sectors. This restructuring, according to these sources, would involve the dismissal of several high-ranking officials, with Matanga’s removal being the most prominent example.
The President’s decision to end Matanga’s term prematurely, several years before its scheduled conclusion in 2028, signals a decisive shift in the government’s approach to law enforcement.
This restructuring follows a pattern established by President Mnangagwa, who has previously overseen significant reshuffles within the security sector, including the Zimbabwe National Army, Air Force of Zimbabwe, Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO), and the ZRP itself. In 2017, following the events surrounding the departure of Robert Mugabe, Mnangagwa initiated a wave of retirements among senior police officers, including Deputy Commissioner-Generals Innocent Matibiri, Levi Sibanda, and Josephine Shambare.
While the official reasons for Matanga’s retirement remain unstated, sources suggest the decision aims 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 and improve overall efficiency within the police force. The planned dismissals, however, extend beyond the ZRP. The government source indicated that several senior government officials across various ministries and departments are expected to lose their positions. While specific names remain undisclosed, the source suggested these firings are part of a broader effort to enhance 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.
Attempts to obtain comment from Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe proved unsuccessful, with his office citing his absence on government business. Similar attempts to contact Chief Secretary to the Office of the President and Cabinet, Martin Rushwaya, and Commissioner-General Matanga directly were also unsuccessful.
