A dramatic standoff unfolded at Police General Headquarters (PGHQ) this Thursday, as former Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga, reportedly a close associate of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, reported for duty in full uniform despite his official retirement announced on 31 December 2024.
This unexpected development has ignited intense speculation and debate, with allegations swirling regarding the manner of his dismissal and the potential for a forceful removal from office.
However, the official narrative was quickly challenged by the actions of Matanga himself. According to the Children of Zimbabwe War Veterans Association (COZWA), Matanga reported to his office in full police uniform, citing a lack of formal notification of his retirement. COZWA’s statement, shared on Twitter, alleged: “CGP Matanga reported to his office today in his police uniform, his argument is that he wasn’t served with a letter of dismissal, he only saw the letter on social media. Police support unit, Romeo troop on standby now planning to remove him from the office by force.”
Breaking News:-
CGP Matanga reported to his office today in his police uniform, his argument is that he wasn't served with a letter of dismal, he only saw the letter on social media.Police support unit, Romeo troop on standby now planning to remove him from the office by force pic.twitter.com/DWisxU0L7f
— COZWA (@cozwva) January 2, 2025
This claim was further corroborated by another source, who stated: “Matanga reported to his office today in full police uniform. His argument is that he was not served with a letter of dismissal, he only saw the letter on social media,” echoing the sentiments expressed by COZWA. The organisation also made the sensational claim that the police Support Unit, Alpha Troop, had been placed on standby to forcibly remove him from his position.
Adding to the intrigue, an invitation from National police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi’s office, calling journalists to a handover-and-takeover ceremony on 3 January 2025 at Mukushi Depot (formerly Morris Depot), circulated on Thursday. This seemingly convenient timing has fuelled speculation that the invitation was intended to deflect attention from the unfolding drama at PGHQ. Repeated attempts to reach Commissioner Nyathi for comment were unsuccessful.
Matanga’s tenure, beginning in 2018 after the departure of Augustine Chihuri, was marked by politically charged events. He oversaw the police force during periods of heightened political tension, with numerous opposition activists and human rights defenders facing arrest and imprisonment, often on charges of convening illegal gatherings or inciting violence. These actions have drawn significant criticism and raised concerns about potential police bias.
“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 restructuring, which began in 2018, also addresses concerns about the declining performance of underperforming parastatals, whose contribution to the country’s GDP has fallen from 40% in the 1990s to 12% by 2021.
Attempts to obtain comment from Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe and Chief Secretary to the Office of the President and Cabinet, Martin Rushwaya, were unsuccessful.
The unfolding situation at PGHQ remains fluid, with the potential for further developments in the coming days. The incident highlights the ongoing tensions and power dynamics within Zimbabwe’s security apparatus and raises questions about transparency and due process in the handling of senior officials’ departures.
