Police shake-up: Mutamba’s secret reshuffle targets former PCG Matanga’s loyalists, fueling whispers of Zanu-PF factionalism and ED2030 power plays

Harare – The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) is undergoing a significant restructuring under its newly appointed Commissioner General, Stephen Mutamba.

Sources within the force describe the changes as a sweeping purge, with officers perceived as loyal to the recently retired Commissioner General Godwin Matanga being quietly transferred to less influential positions, while those seen as aligned with Mutamba are promoted to key roles.

The transfers, affecting ranks from Superintendent to Commissioner, are being implemented with unusual secrecy, departing from established police protocol.

“Police officers wake up in the morning to see a new Police boss. This is how secretive Mutamba’s appointments are taking place,” revealed an internal source, highlighting the clandestine nature of the reshuffle. No formal announcements or notices have been issued to the force.

One of the most significant moves involves Commissioner Crispen Charumbira, who has been reinstated to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) after a period of reassignment following allegations of misconduct several years ago. He was subsequently cleared of these charges.

“Commissioner Charumbira is back in Harare and he has called for a meeting of all chief superintendents in the CID at the Police Headquarters tomorrow,” confirmed another source.

Speculation within the force suggests Charumbira is being groomed for a senior position, potentially as Mutamba’s Deputy Commissioner General.

The reshuffle also saw the return of a Commissioner, Ms Philipe, who had previously been removed from the CID by the former Commissioner General Matanga. This move further emphasises the extent of the changes underway.

Meanwhile, Commissioner Nyabasa, formerly Officer Commanding CID and reportedly aligned with Matanga, has been transferred to Matabeleland North. This transfer is widely interpreted within the police force as a form of disciplinary action, a common perception amongst officers.

Other notable transfers include Commissioner Nyirenda to Mashonaland Central, Commissioner Nyakutsikwa to Police Internal Affairs, Commissioner Sithole to Chiadzwa, Commissioner Hlabiso to Electronic Traffic Management, Commissioner Ndou to Monitoring and Evaluation, Commissioner Chizemo to Bulawayo, Commissioner Mbengwa to Masvingo, Assistant Commissioner Zengeya to acting Chief Staff Officer Transport, Commissioner Tembo back to Police General Headquarters (PGHQ) Training and Development, Commissioner Tshuma back to the Staff College and Commissioner Makamache to Anti Stock Theft.

The timing and nature of these transfers have fuelled speculation linking the reshuffle to internal political factions within Zanu-PF and the party’s 2030 agenda.

Last week, National Police Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi issued a statement refuting rumours of resistance to retirement from the former Commissioner General Matanga. When contacted by The Mirror for comment on the current reshuffle, Commissioner Nyathi requested that we wait until the following day.

The scale and secrecy surrounding Mutamba’s reshuffle are unprecedented within recent ZRP history. The quiet nature of the appointments, coupled with the perceived targeting of officers associated with the previous administration, raises questions about the long-term implications for the police force and its operational effectiveness.