Mnangagwa extends Sibanda’s tenure amid intelligence, police shake-up
HARARE – President Emmerson Mnangagwa, currently on leave, has extended the tenure of General Philip Valerio Sibanda, 70, as Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) by a year after he reached retirement age.
The extension, effective from 24 December 2024 to 23 November 2025, was announced in the Zimbabwean Government Gazette published on 3 January 2025. It was authorized under the Defence (Regular Force) (Officers) Regulations of 1988.
- Mnangagwa’s decision follows his recent replacement of the country’s intelligence and police chiefs last week, signaling a broader shake-up in Zimbabwe’s security leadership. Sibanda has served as the Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces since 2017, succeeding the current Vice President, Constantino Chiwenga, who previously held the position.
