"Matanga's Career In Limbo As Changes Loom In The Police," Report

President Emmerson Mnangagwa is reportedly planning to make changes in the Zimbabwe Republic Police, a development which is likely to see Commissioner-General, Godwin Matanga, replaced by the current Deputy Commissioners-General, Stephen Mutamba, Mind Elliot Ngirandi, Learn Ncube and Lorraine Chipato.

Sources privy to the information told Zimbabwe Independent that the “imminent” major restructuring exercise is meant to consolidate Mnangagwa’s grip on power. One unnamed senior government official said:

Changes are looming in the police. On paper, they are meant to improve the efficiency and operations of the police. But in real terms, these changes must be seen in the broader context of the ongoing changes Mnangagwa has been introducing in the security sector as he consolidates his grip while weakening his ambitious deputy’s influence. The President wants trusted lieutenants in key positions.

This comes after Mnangagwa recently reshuffled cabinet, a move that was also viewed as a way of cementing his grip on power and an ethnic balancing act.

Since coming to power in 2017, Mnangagwa has made a raft of changes in the security sector by replacing officers appointed by his predecessor, Robert Mugabe, by his trusted lieutenants.

More: Zimbabwe Independent