By Munacho Gwamanda- President Emmerson Mnangagwa has fired two high-ranking security officials within a week.

He has just fired the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) Director-General Isaac Moyo and replaced him with Fulton Mangwanya, who was heading the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority.

This development is seen as his attempt to further consolidate his grip on the security apparatus amid growing tensions with his deputy, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga.

On December 31, Mnangagwa retired Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga, appointing Stephen Mutamba as his replacement.

Both Matanga and Moyo were appointed to their positions shortly after the November 2017 coup that ousted long-time leader Robert Mugabe.

The coup, engineered by Mnangagwa and spearheaded by Chiwenga, catapulted Mnangagwa to power.

However, the two leaders have since drifted apart, with Mnangagwa systematically sidelining Chiwenga’s allies in the security sector.

Matanga and Moyo, considered close confidants of Chiwenga, join a growing list of senior military and security officials purged by Mnangagwa.

Analysts view these moves as part of a broader strategy to weaken Chiwenga’s influence.

Since taking office, Mnangagwa has manoeuvred to diminish Chiwenga’s power base, which initially relied on key military figures who played pivotal roles in the 2017 coup.

Major General Sibusiso Moyo, the face of the coup, and Air Force Commander Perrence Shiri, both staunch Chiwenga allies, died under mysterious circumstances, further isolating the vice president.

Chiwenga is believed to have entered into an agreement with Mnangagwa in 2017, allowing him to succeed Mnangagwa after two terms.

However, Mnangagwa’s recent actions signal intentions to retain power beyond the agreed timeline, deepening mistrust within Zanu PF’s top leadership.