Former Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Commissioner-General Tandabantu Godwin Matanga, who retired on December 31, 2024, has dismissed rumours suggesting he attempted to cling to his position due to alleged irregularities in his retirement process.
On December 20, 2024, Martin Rushwaya, Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, announced that President Mnangagwa had officially retired Matanga, with his deputy, Stephen Mutamba, set to succeed him as Commissioner-General of the ZRP starting January 1, 2025.
However, on January 2, 2025, social media was abuzz with claims that Matanga reported to work in full police uniform, seemingly contradicting the official announcement of his retirement.
Reports indicated that Matanga alleged he had not received any formal dismissal letter and had only learned of his retirement through social media.
The rumours intensified amid claims that the ZRP’s elite Police Support Unit, Romeo Troop, was placed on standby to intervene if Matanga’s presence at the office persisted.
Speaking at a handover and takeover ceremony at the Mkushi Police Academy (formerly Morris Depot) in Harare on January 3, Matanga addressed the rumours, labelling them flawed and premature. He said:
<blockquote>
In the same manner may I also 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 Zimbabwe, His Excellency Dr Mnangagwa at a time when my retirement was due.
</blockquote>
Matanga also shared his post-retirement plans, saying, “As I leave the ZRP, let me inform everyone that I will be going into farming, which I benefited from through the government’s land reform programme.”
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Former Zimbabwe Police Commissioner-General Tandabantu Godwin Matanga retired on December 31, 2024. Rumors said he didn't want to leave. But President Mnangagwa officially retired him on December 20. Matanga disputed claims he was still working on January 2, saying he hadn't received a retirement letter. Reports said the Police Support Unit was ready to intervene. Matanga denied these rumors at a ceremony on January 3, and talked about his plans to start farming after retirement.

Matanga Responds To "Clinging To Position" Speculation, Outlines Post-Retirement Plans

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has retired Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Commissioner General Tandabantu Godwin Matanga, effective December 31, 2024.
The announcement was made in a statement issued by Martin Rushwaya, the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, on Friday, December 20.
Rushwaya also announced that Mnangagwa had appointed Deputy Commissioner General Stephen Mutamba as Matanga’s successor, with Mutamba set to assume the role of ZRP Commissioner General on January 1, 2025.
Matanga took over the position from Augustine Chihuri, who fled into exile after the November 2017 military coup. He has served during politically charged times.
Under Matanga’s leadership, numerous opposition activists and human rights defenders were arrested, often facing long periods of incarceration on charges such as convening illegal gatherings or inciting violence.
In recent years, armed robbery cases have surged, with incidents like the infamous Ecobank heist standing out. This daring robbery occurred in broad daylight on a busy street and was even captured on CCTV.
Meanwhile, in 2022, Mutamba was put under United States sanctions for his role in “undermining Zimbabwe’s democratic processes and institutions”. The US then said:
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Over the past two years, Mutamba has taken actions that threaten and undermine legitimate political parties that oppose the policies of the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU PF) party. In 2020, Mutamba supported Zimbabwe security services’ use of pressure and intimidation on prominent opposition figures.
Also in 2020, Mutamba supported the uneven enforcement of a COVID-19-related curfew, encouraging security forces to limit opposition activities and did not allow for foreign national officials located in Zimbabwe to meet with Zimbabwean opposition parties or civil society groups.
In 2021, Mutamba advocated that vote tallies not be displayed outside polling locations and that international observers should not be allowed to monitor the 2023 elections.
</blockquote>
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President Mnangagwa has retired the police boss, Godwin Matanga, and will replace him with Stephen Mutamba starting in 2025. Matanga took over after a military coup in 2017. He has been criticized for arresting opposition activists and human rights defenders. There have been many armed robbery cases during his tenure, including a high-profile heist at Ecobank. Matanga's retirement comes amid rising crime rates and political tensions in Zimbabwe.

Mnangagwa Retires ZRP Commissioner General Godwin Matanga, Mutamba To Take Over

Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Commissioner-General, Tandabantu Godwin Matanga, has intervened in a dispute between the Zimbabwe National Handball Federation (ZNHF) and the Officer Commanding Harare Province, Commissioner Wonder Tembo.
It appears the dispute between the two parties arose after Police in Harare demanded payment to escort foreign teams participating in the ongoing Zone IV International Handball Federation Trophy Tournament in Chitungwiza.
In a statement, ZRP spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said Police do not charge any money or costs to escort foreign teams coming to participate in sporting events in the country. He said:
<blockquote>
Reference is made to the ongoing Zone IV International Handball Federation Trophy Tournament and the engagement by the organizers with the Officer Commanding Harare Province, Commissioner Wonder Tembo on the 07th May 2024 for escort services to foreign participating teams to the venue in Chitungwiza.
The Commissioner-General of Police, Tandabantu Godwin Matanga, has directed that escort services be immediately provided to the teams for free.
In this regard, no money will be paid to the Zimbabwe Republic Police or any individual member for the escort services.
The Commissioner-General of Police has made it clear that the Zimbabwe Republic Police does not charge any money or costs to escort foreign teams coming to participate in sporting events in the country.
Any inconveniences caused by the misunderstanding between the National Handball Federation and the Officer Commanding Harare Province are sincerely regretted.
</blockquote>
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