Chihuri and Bonyongwe removed from sanctions list

The European Union has announced that it has removed former Police Chief Augustine Chihuri and former Spy Boss Happyton Bonyongwe from the sanctions list.

EU said the two are no longer in government service.

Former President Robert Mugabe and his wife Grace and Zimbabwe Defence Industries remain on sanctions . Sanctions on General Chiwenga, Perence Shiri and Valerio Sibanda were suspended.

Commenting on the developments Ministry of Information Permanent Secretary Nick Mangwana said, "On the issue of EU sanctions, it's encouraging that the EU has vindicated the President's engagement and re-engagement policy by not escalating sanctions as campaigned for by some of our own citizens. The progressive de-escalation whilst not as good as a total removal is positive."

The EU also said it had noted the recent abuse of human rights by the state in the recent past a sign that there is no new dispensation.

There was speculation last week that there might be other names that might be added on the list after the EU said it is reviewing the sanctions this week.