Mnangagwa honours 36 police top brass

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has conferred prestigious honours and awards on 36 senior police officers, including Commissioner-General Stephen Mutamba, in recognition of their exceptional work in combating crime and contributing to national development.

The list of honoured officers includes Deputy Commissioner Generals Dr. Mind Elliot Ngirandi, Learn Ncube, Lorraine Chipato, and national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi. The conferment was officially announced in a Government Gazette published last Friday by the Registrar of Honours.

"It is hereby notified in terms of section 5(1)(c) of the Honours and Awards Act (Chapter 10:11), that His Excellency the President and Grand Master of the Order of Merit has granted the following awards," reads the government notice.

Comm-Gen Mutamba and his three deputies received the Order of the Star of Zimbabwe (Gold), while approximately 32 other senior officers were awarded the Commander of the Zimbabwe Order of Merit (CZM).

A formal ceremony to officially present the awards is expected to take place soon.

Among the honoured senior police officers are Abigail Moyo, Douglas Nyakutsikwa, Conneli Dube, Ndofandaedza Jaboon, Fredrick Mbengwa, Elizabeth Phiri, Tambudzai Joyleen Mazambani, Lyman Tapera Sithole, Wonder Tembo, Wicklef Makamache, Dr. Edward Fusire, Charles Nhete, Gift Hlabiso, Crispen Charumbira, Patson Nyabadza, Bazibi Dube, Steven Kazingizi, Nelson Charumbira, Sundirai Grace Ndou, Martin Matembo Nyirenda, Dr. Arnold Makomo, Taonei Nyazema, Jealous Nyabasa, Silungile Ndlovu, Dr. Edward Tshuma, Maxwell Chikunguru, Dr. Clancy Tapiwa F. Nyamkure, Jasper Takaengwa Chizemo, Charles Ndoro, Evelyn Taurai Phili, Susan Chemurema, and Paul Nyathi.

President Mnangagwa has a history of conferring national honours across various sectors, acknowledging individuals and organizations for their contributions before and after Zimbabwe's independence. These awards range from gold, silver, to bronze categories and are granted under the Honours and Awards Act, which empowers the President as the Grand Master of the Order of Merit.

Previous recipients include virologist Dr. Sikhulile Moyo, who received the Order of the Great Zimbabwe in Gold for his discovery of the Omicron COVID-19 variant in November 2021. Other notable awardees are Dr. Mary Mubi (Order of the Star of Zimbabwe in Gold) and Dr. Agnes Mahomva (Order of the Star of Zimbabwe in Silver) for their contributions to medical science and the COVID-19 response.

The late philanthropist Jairosi Jiri was honoured with the Jairos Jiri Humanitarian Award in Gold, while the Angel of Hope Foundation, led by First Lady Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa, also received recognition for its philanthropic efforts.

Many recipients received their medals during the 2023 Heroes Day celebrations at the National Heroes Acre.

Additionally, over 100 individuals were awarded the Independence Medal in Bronze for their role in Zimbabwe's liberation and subsequent nation-building efforts. Notable among them are Zanu-PF Chief Whip Pupurai Togarepi, Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development Mike Madiro, and Minister of State Security and Zanu-PF Politburo member Lovemore Matuke.