Outgoing Police Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga speaks out after being retired by Mnangagwa, reveals his way forward

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Former Police Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga has addressed speculation surrounding his retirement, expressing confidence in his successor and outlining his future plans. Matanga, who served as Police Commissioner-General since 2017, following the appointment by President Emmerson Mnangagwa after the military coup, officially stepped down on 1 January 2025, handing over the reins to former Deputy Police Commissioner-General Steven Mutamba.

Addressing a handover ceremony at Mkushi Depot (formerly Morris Depot) in Harare, Matanga dispelled rumours that he had attempted to remain in office, stating categorically that he received proper notification of his retirement from President Mnangagwa’s office.

He directly addressed recent social media reports suggesting a dramatic return to duty: “May I take this opportunity to clarify an incorrect position that has been peddled in the media recently pertaining to my retirement. Ladies and gentlemen, listen carefully, I was properly served by the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, His Excellency Cde Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa at a time when my retirement was due.”

This statement directly counters claims made by an organisation representing children of war veterans, COZWA, which alleged Matanga had reported for duty in full uniform and that the police Support Unit, Alpha Troop, had been placed on standby to remove him.

Matanga expressed his satisfaction with the transition of power, highlighting his confidence in his successor: “I am comforted to pass the baton to Comrade Steven Mutamba, whom I have been with in the trenches for many years and have no doubt in his capacity to steer the ship going forward.”

He further added, “I am, however, confident that a new broom sweeps clean and my successor will be able to ride on the achievements that we have made and tackle existing challenges head-on.”

Mutamba, in his own address, expressed his readiness to assume the role and his commitment to maintaining public confidence in the police service: “I look forward to the support and co-operation from the people of Zimbabwe in our endeavour to guarantee continued public confidence in the police service.”

He also outlined his vision for a modernised police force leveraging technology. Mutamba becomes the fifth Police Commissioner-General in independent Zimbabwe, following Wiridzayi Nguruve (1982-1985), Henry Mukurazhizha, and Augustine Chihuri.

Matanga’s tenure, spanning several years, saw him navigate various challenges. He acknowledged the difficulties faced in modernising the police force, citing resource constraints, skills shortages, and the impact of long-standing sanctions: “Suffice to say the bar to modernise the police service is relatively high in view of resource constraints, skills plight and crippling sanctions we have endured for decades among other challenges.”

Despite these obstacles, he expressed pride in the achievements made during his time in office.

Looking ahead, Matanga revealed his plans to pursue farming, benefiting from the government’s land reform programme, and to engage in other business ventures: “As I leave the Zimbabwe Republic Police, let me take this opportunity to inform everyone that I will be going into farming, which I benefited through the government’s land reform programme as well as pursue other business ventures.”

He expressed gratitude to President Mnangagwa, the security services, the Zimbabwean public, regional peers, and the media for their support during his tenure. The handover ceremony was attended by several high-ranking officials, including Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe, State Security Minister Lovemore Matuke, CIO boss Isaac Moyo, Army Commander Anselem Sanyatwe, and Air Marshall Jacob Nzvede. The event marked a significant moment in the history of the Zimbabwe Republic Police, signifying a transition to new leadership and a new chapter for the organisation.


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