ZRP Commissioner General Matanga Bids Farewell To The Police Force As Mutamba Takes Over
By Desire Tshuma
Godwin Thandabantu Matanga, served as the Commissioner-General of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) from December 19, 2017, to December 31, 2024. He was appointed by President Mnangagwa, following the removal of Augustine Chihuri after the November 2017 military take over.
Matanga’s tenure as Commissioner-General was marked by controversy, including allegations of corruption and criticism over the police force’s handling of public protests. He was also involved in efforts to seize former Commissioner-General Chihuri’s assets, alleged to have been obtained through corrupt means.
Matanga’s retirement was announced by the President’s Office, and he was succeeded by deputy Police Commissioner Mutamba. Yesterday social media had spread wrong information that the former ZRP boss refused to step down, claiming he had not received a formal dismissal letter.
In his speech that he read today at Mukushi Training Camp during the handover/ take over ceremony, Matanga refuted claims that were circulating on social media and said he was officially informed of his retirement and he accepted without any grievances.
“I would like to openly tell the nation that all that was circulated on social media about my refusal to leave office are unfounded lies,” said Matanga.
Matanga’s background is rooted in Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle, having joined the Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army in 1978. He later joined the ZRP in 1982 and rose through the ranks to become Deputy Commissioner-General in 1992.
The well-paraded ceremony to bid Matanga farewell was graced by the Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Kezembe Kezembe, Minister of State Security Lovemore Matuke, Major General Anselem Sanyatwe and top security officers.
