Harare, (New Ziana) – Police on Friday dismissed social media reports that commissioner general Tandabantu Godwin Matanga was resisting a presidential directive to retire from the force.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa last month announced the retirement of the police chief, who had been at the helm of the force since 2017.
But social media, citing unidentified sources, said Matanga had stayed put in his position, claiming his retirement was irregular. In the process, social media claimed, Matanga had blocked his successor, deputy commissioner general Stephen Mutamba, from assuming office.
But in a statement, police spokesman Paul Nyati said the social media reports were false, as the change of command had taken place earlier in the week without incident.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police dismisses social media postings attributed to COZWA and other sites alleging that Retired Commissioner-General of Police Tandabantu Godwin Matanga reported to his office today (yesterday) in police uniform claiming that he was not served with a letter of dismissal. The post is totally false and should be dismissed with the contempt it deserves,” Nyati said.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police cautions individuals and groups trying to sow discord in the organization that decisive criminal action will be taken for the law to take its course.”
New Ziana