Mnangagagwa promotes Mutisi to Major General on retirement

President Emmerson Mnangagwa, in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF), has promoted Brigadier General Francis Mutisi to the rank of Major General upon his retirement.

The new rank insignia was formally conferred on Major General Mutisi during an investiture ceremony held in Harare on Monday.

Commander of the Defence Forces, General Emmanuel Matatu, said the promotion was a recognition of Mutisi's dedication, loyalty and years of service to Zimbabwe.

"The rank conferred on you is substantive; even in retirement, it carries weight. It carries responsibility. It is a recognition of the service that you have done to the nation," Matatu said.

The promotion means Mutisi will retain the substantive rank of Major General despite having retired from active military service.

Speaking after receiving his new insignia, Mutisi expressed gratitude to Mnangagwa for the elevation and pledged to remain loyal to the country and the ZDF.

"I am very grateful to Commander-in-Chief of the ZDF, His Excellency President Mnangagwa, for this elevation. The promotion is a result of ability, performance and commitment to work, and I am very sure that at this stage I have achieved all that," he said.

The investiture ceremony was attended by senior military commanders and officers from the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA), Air Force of Zimbabwe (AFZ) and other defence services.

The promotion comes as the military continues to recognise senior officers for their service and contribution to the defence and security of the country.