Gen Constantino Chiwenga: Army chief who took power from Mugabe retire

The Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Constantino Chiwenga and the Commissioner-General of the Zimbabwe Republic Police Augustine Chihuri are set to retire from the security services in a move that is likely to confirm reports Chiwenga will be named one of the country’s vice presidency.

According to a statement by Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Mischeck Sibanda, Chiwenga is set to ‘retire pending redeployment.’

General Constantino Chiwenga has been replaced as CDF by former Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army, Phillip Valerio Sibanda

Chiwenga was instrumental in last month’s military intervention that led to the resignation of former president Robert Mugabe and the ascendancy of Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Commissioner-General Augustine Chihuri has been fired after more than 23 years in charge of the country’s police force

Chihuri will be replaced by Deputy Commissioner General Godwin Matanga in the interim until a new Substantive Commissioner General is appointed.

Sibanda said Chihuri started his leave on 15 December 2017 pending his retirement from the force.

New President Emmerson Mnangagwa told a party conference last week that he would announce his two deputies in a matter of days.