ZRP Refutes Claims of Godwin Matanga’s Return to D...

ZRP Refutes Claims of Godwin Matanga’s Return to Duty After Retirement

Zim Now Writer

The Zimbabwe Republic Police has strongly rejected rumors suggesting that former Commissioner-General Tandabantu Godwin Matanga returned to work on January 2, 2025, despite his official retirement.

On December 20, 2024, President Emmerson Mnangagwa announced Matanga's retirement, confirming that Deputy Commissioner-General Stephen Mutamba would take over as the new Commissioner-General starting January 1, 2025. This retirement announcement was officially confirmed by Martin Rushwaya, Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet.

However, on January 2, 2025, social media platforms were abuzz with claims that Matanga appeared at his office in full police uniform, which contradicted the official announcement of his retirement.

Some reports even suggested that Matanga had not been formally notified of his dismissal and had only learned of his retirement through social media.

The situation was reportedly tense, with unconfirmed reports stating that the ZRP’s elite Police Support Unit, Romeo Troop, was placed on standby to manage the situation.

In response, ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi issued a firm statement on January 2, 2025, denying the allegations. He confirmed that the new Commissioner-General, Stephen Mutamba, had taken full control of the ZRP. Nyathi also addressed the social media reports, calling them false and dismissing them with contempt.

He further clarified: "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 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."

Nyathi also confirmed that there was no truth to claims that the Romeo Troop had been placed on standby, and emphasized that the ZRP would take legal action against those attempting to disrupt the organization’s operations.

With Matanga’s retirement now confirmed, Commissioner Nyathi reassured the public that the transition to Commissioner-General Stephen Mutamba was proceeding smoothly, with no disruptions to the ZRP’s operations.