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Mnangagwa ally takes over the helm of Zimbabwe police
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The long-anticipated appointment of Stephen Mutamba as the new Police Commissioner-General has finally come to fruition, solidifying what many have regarded as an open secret since 2018. Mutamba, a close ally of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, officially takes over the helm of the Zimbabwe Republic Police, replacing Tandabantu Godwin Matanga, who has served in the role since December 2017.
Matanga, who has led the force since the post-coup restructuring that followed the removal of Augustine Chihuri, will remain in his position until 31 December 2024. Despite the transitional period, Mutamba's appointment marks the culmination of years of speculation about his eventual rise to the top post.
Mutamba's close ties with President Mnangagwa have been well-documented, and it was widely believed within political circles that he had been groomed for the role long before his formal appointment. His rise through the ranks of the Zimbabwe Republic Police has seen him assume various high-profile positions, most notably in the Crime and Operations departments, where he has held significant influence. In 2019, he was reassigned from his role in Crime to Operations, and in 2021, he replaced Matanga in overseeing administration.
Mutamba's appointment, however, is not without controversy. In 2022, the United States imposed sanctions on him for his involvement in actions that were seen as undermining Zimbabwe's democratic processes and institutions. The U.S. government accused him of supporting the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (Zanu PF)-aligned security services in their actions to intimidate opposition figures and suppress dissent, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mutamba's role in curbing opposition activities and limiting international observation of the 2023 elections further intensified concerns regarding his commitment to democratic principles.
Despite the sanctions, Mutamba's rise to the top of the police force has been seen as a strategic move by President Mnangagwa to ensure loyalty and maintain control over the security apparatus in the country. With the new appointment, Mutamba's influence within Zimbabwe's law enforcement will only continue to grow, as he takes on the challenge of overseeing the country's police operations amidst a tense political climate.
As Matanga prepares to step down in 2024, the political and security landscape in Zimbabwe remains under close scrutiny, with Mutamba's leadership expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the country's future law enforcement strategy.
Matanga, who has led the force since the post-coup restructuring that followed the removal of Augustine Chihuri, will remain in his position until 31 December 2024. Despite the transitional period, Mutamba's appointment marks the culmination of years of speculation about his eventual rise to the top post.
Mutamba's close ties with President Mnangagwa have been well-documented, and it was widely believed within political circles that he had been groomed for the role long before his formal appointment. His rise through the ranks of the Zimbabwe Republic Police has seen him assume various high-profile positions, most notably in the Crime and Operations departments, where he has held significant influence. In 2019, he was reassigned from his role in Crime to Operations, and in 2021, he replaced Matanga in overseeing administration.
Despite the sanctions, Mutamba's rise to the top of the police force has been seen as a strategic move by President Mnangagwa to ensure loyalty and maintain control over the security apparatus in the country. With the new appointment, Mutamba's influence within Zimbabwe's law enforcement will only continue to grow, as he takes on the challenge of overseeing the country's police operations amidst a tense political climate.
As Matanga prepares to step down in 2024, the political and security landscape in Zimbabwe remains under close scrutiny, with Mutamba's leadership expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the country's future law enforcement strategy.
Source - online
