Lovemore Matuke Appointed New Minister of State for National Security two years after Owen Ncube was booted out
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has finally filled the position of Minister of State for National Security, over two years after firing Owen Ncube.
The long-vacant post will now be occupied by Senator Lovemore Matuke, who has been appointed with immediate effect. Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Martin Rushwaya announced the decision in a statement on Tuesday evening.
“In terms of Section 104 Subsection (1) as read with Section 225 of the Constitution, His Excellency the President, Cde. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa has appointed Honourable Lovemore Matuke, Senator as the Minister of State for National Security with immediate effect,” the statement read.
Why Owen Ncube Was Fired
The position had remained vacant since January 10, 2022, when Owen Ncube was dismissed for what was described as “conduct inappropriate for a Minister of Government.”
At the time, then Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr. Misheck Sibanda, said:
“His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Cde ED Mnangagwa, has in terms of section 340, subsection (1), paragraph (f), as read with section 104, subsection (1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe removed Owen Ncube from the Office of Cabinet Minister and Minister of Government with immediate effect for conduct inappropriate for a Minister of Government.”
Though no official details about his dismissal were provided, reports suggested that Ncube’s involvement in political disturbances during Zanu PF’s Midlands provincial polls may have been a factor.
Ncube’s Political Comeback
Despite his dismissal, Owen Ncube returned to political prominence in September 2023 when he was appointed Midlands Provincial Affairs Minister by President Mnangagwa. This followed his victory in the 23/24 August harmonised elections.
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