Securocrats appointed to key ministries

Despite widespread concerns from numerous stakeholders, the systematic militarisation of state institutions by President Robert Mugabe continues after the appointment of eight generals as permanent secretaries and principals in various ministries.

Mugabe announced this week the appointment of the generals to key economic and social ministries.

These appointments follow last week's appointment of three high ranking members of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces as ambassadors to Japan, Russia, and Mozambique.

Some sources have said that the appointments are linked to the recent purges of those linked to a faction led by ousted former VP Joice Mujuru.

All the permanent secretaries and principal directors being appointed are close to Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa, while those aligned to the Mujuru faction continue to be purged from top government posts.