Investigative Report: The Power Struggles Behind Zimbabwe’s Police Commissioner General Shakeup
By Investigation Seals | ZimEye | The recent announcement by Zimbabwe’s government spokesperson Nick Mangwana that Police Commissioner General Godwin Matanga has been “retired” due to age has sparked a flurry of controversy. His replacement, Deputy Commissioner General Stephen Mutamba, is not only older than Matanga but also carries a complex and controversial history that raises serious questions about governance, political interference, and international manipulation.
The Official Explanation vs. the Facts
Mangwana stated that Matanga, born in 1962, was retired because of his age. Yet, Mutamba, born in 1961, is one year older, making the age rationale implausible. This discrepancy has fueled speculation that Matanga’s removal was politically motivated, with multiple sources pointing to deep-seated tensions within Zimbabwe’s ruling ZANU-PF party and allegations of undue influence from First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa.
Mutamba’s Controversial Rise
Mutamba’s rise to the position of Commissioner General has been anything but straightforward. In 2021, he was sanctioned by the U.S. government for alleged cruelty to opposition members. However, ZimEye sources claim this sanctions listing may have been orchestrated as part of a strategic play to position Mutamba for promotion. One insider close to Auxillia Mnangagwa alleged, “He secretly threw dirt on himself for mere convenience to get marked by ZANU-PF leadership as a victim of U.S. aggression.”
Critics argue that the sanctions, which were unusually targeted at a deputy rather than the commissioner, were intended to discredit Matanga and pave the way for Mutamba’s ascendancy. Notably, Matanga had just returned from a U.S. trip when the sanctions against Mutamba were announced, further fueling speculation about external interference.
The First Lady’s Influence
Auxillia Mnangagwa’s role in the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has been under scrutiny. Several sources claim she has been instrumental in orchestrating Mutamba’s promotion. Reports suggest she has used her influence to protect Mutamba from accountability, including intervening when Matanga attempted to suspend him for controversial actions, such as the firing of officers involved in the arrest of Drax International-linked businessman Delish Nguwaya.
Mutamba’s alleged involvement in collecting money from miners and other activities on behalf of Auxillia Mnangagwa raises additional concerns. Critics argue that his close ties to the First Lady compromise the independence of the ZRP and risk further entrenching corruption.
Secret JOC Emerging.
The perhaps the most plausible development is covered in an investigation that was done that was concluded with a video call with First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa. This expose’ shows with undeniable detail that the First Lady, a trained CIO agent, is assembling a new joint operations command, a gang of armed robbers that reports directly to her. This group includes her own brother Paradzayi Kutyauripo, a convicted armed robber who has been appointed Director of all State Residences, and will be doubling as a traditional chief.
This program if successful will place Auxillia as a powerful First Lady with way stronger powers than her predecessor Grace Mugabe who was disrespected by the military apparatus because she had no state powers under her command. (Watch the full video below).
CIA Involvement?
The timing and nature of Mutamba’s sanctions have led to speculation about the involvement of foreign intelligence agencies, particularly the CIA. Some sources suggest the U.S. aimed to destabilize the ZRP’s leadership ahead of the 2023 elections by creating divisions between Matanga and Mutamba. While these claims remain unverified, the narrative has gained traction among ZANU-PF loyalists.
No comment could be obtained from the CIA.
Mutamba’s Denials
When contacted by ZimEye, Mutamba denied allegations that he sought Mnangagwa’s favor for his promotion. However, he did not refute his familial ties to Auxillia Mnangagwa. His response was evasive, and he quickly ended the call when pressed further about his alleged cruelty to opposition members and the reasons behind his U.S. sanctions.
Contacted by ZimEye, Mutamba has denied approaching Emmerson Mnangagwa. He expressed shock and asked Simba Chikanza saying, “where did you hear that?,” before quickly dropping the phone call. He however did not deny that he is related to First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa.
Matanga’s U.S. Trip: A Turning Point?
Matanga’s 2021 trip to the U.S. has also come under scrutiny. Rumors suggest he may have met with CIA agents during the visit, a claim Matanga has neither confirmed nor denied. While the purpose of his trip was officially described as attending an international seminar, the timing of subsequent events raises questions about whether he became a target of manipulation by external forces.
What’s at Stake?
The implications of Mutamba’s appointment are far-reaching. Critics argue that his leadership could further erode the ZRP’s credibility, given his alleged history of corruption and political interference. Others warn that his close ties to the First Family may signal an alarming consolidation of power within ZANU-PF, with the police force becoming an instrument of personal and political agendas.
Questions That Remain Unanswered
1. Why was Matanga truly removed? If age was not the issue, what were the underlying reasons for his dismissal?
2. Is Mutamba’s sanctions listing genuine? Or was it a calculated move to position him for promotion?
3. What role does Auxillia Mnangagwa play in ZRP leadership decisions?
4. Is the CIA involved? Could foreign powers be manipulating internal ZANU-PF dynamics to achieve broader geopolitical objectives?
5. What does this mean for Zimbabwe’s future? With elections looming, how will these power struggles impact governance and accountability?
The replacement of Godwin Matanga with Stephen Mutamba as Police Commissioner General has exposed deep divisions and unresolved questions about the interplay of power, corruption, and foreign influence in Zimbabwe. As the dust settles, the stakes for the country’s governance and stability remain high. Transparency and accountability will be critical in ensuring that the ZRP serves the people of Zimbabwe, rather than the interests of a select few.