By Langton Ncube|President Emmerson Mnangagwa has fired several State security agents as his administration tightens its grip on power.
Several senior secret service operatives who were put on one-year renewable contracts after reaching their retirement age, have been released from the CIO.
The development comes as reports of deepening factionalism continue characterised by a power struggle between Lacoste faction and the military, the dreaded Central Intelligence Organisation will not be spared as President Emmerson Mnangagwa gets rid of disloyal elements.
The man heading the Defence And Security Ministry portfolio is Gen Constantino Chiwenga.
The changes in the feared spy agency are meant to strengthen Mnangagwa’s hand by surrounding him with officers of unquestionable loyalty.
The 75-year-old president has already rang the changes in the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) and the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) — where long-serving commissioner-general, Augustine Chihuri, was retired.
And just recently, Mnangagwa wielded the axe on 11 senior cops as he continues to strengthen his grip on power after ascending to power through a military-assisted soft “coup”.
Fear and apprehension have since gripped the CIO in the wake of the recent changes in police force with morale among those perceived to be close to former president Robert Mugabe hitting its lowest ebb.
“There are changes that are looming and the new boss (Isaac Moyo) is already at work, coming up with his own team,” a source told the local Daily News.
Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, who is responsible for both the intelligence and defence portfolios, could not be reached for comment at the time of going to print yesterday as he was said to be in a meeting.
Soon after his ascendancy to the top office last year, Mnangagwa appointed Moyo to head the spy agency as its director-general.
Prior to his appointment, Moyo was Zimbabwe’s ambassador to South Africa.
In making the appointment, Mnangagwa overlooked the CIO’s then acting spy chief, Aaron Nhepera, whom many thought was a shoo-in for the position.
More to follow…
thank you new look VP
We warm heartedly welcome all fired CIOs into the unemployement trenches. After an illustrious career of kidnappings, torture and murders we urge you not to be despondent. There are many vendor stalls in villages, towns and cities across the country. Surely you will not miss your spot.
Fire more and more not forgetting that soon they will be voting you out of power , confused ZANU PF thugs , how can they fire so many people towards elections ???, i suspect that the elections are already rigged by ZANU PF ????, really should they be doing this after elections then i was going to say wooo!! they have secured votes through using people thereafter they are firing them .