STEPHEN MUTAMBA: MNANGAGWA’S LOYAL SERVANT TAKES THE REINS

The appointment of Stephen Mutamba as Zimbabwe’s new police commissioner-general is yet another sign of how President Emmerson Mnangagwa rewards loyalty over merit. This decision has been years in the making, as it was no secret since 2018 that Mnangagwa planned to install Mutamba in this powerful role. It is a strategic move to consolidate control over the country’s security forces, ensuring that the police remain a tool for the ruling Zanu PF’s authoritarian agenda.
Mutamba replaces Tandabantu Godwin Matanga, who has served as commissioner-general since 19 December 2017. Matanga’s tenure, which began after the coup that ousted Robert Mugabe, was always meant to be temporary. Yet, he clung to the position until now, paving the way for Mutamba’s rise. Matanga will remain in charge until 31 December 2024, marking an unusually prolonged handover period that raises eyebrows about what deals may be at play behind the scenes.
Matanga’s history in the police force is long, having joined in 1982 and served as deputy commissioner-general since 1992. His appointment in 2018, after the removal of Augustine Chihuri, symbolized Mnangagwa’s new order following the coup. However, instead of reforming the police to serve citizens, Matanga presided over a force that continued to brutalize opposition voices and ordinary Zimbabweans alike. His departure does not inspire hope, as it signals the continuation of repression under Mutamba.
Stephen Mutamba’s track record is anything but clean. In 2019, he was reassigned from Crime to Operations, and by 2021, he was moved to Administration. These moves signaled Mnangagwa’s intent to groom him for the top job. But Mutamba’s loyalty to Mnangagwa is not just about internal promotions—it is also about his willingness to use state machinery to crush dissent.
In 2022, Mutamba was sanctioned by the United States for his role in undermining Zimbabwe’s democratic processes. The US accused him of orchestrating actions that propped up Zanu PF while silencing opposition voices. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mutamba supported the uneven enforcement of curfews, using them as an excuse to stifle opposition activities while allowing Zanu PF events to proceed unhindered. Foreign officials were blocked from meeting opposition parties or civil society groups, further isolating the regime from international scrutiny.
In 2021, Mutamba reportedly worked to ensure that vote tallies were not displayed at polling stations and that international observers were barred from monitoring the 2023 elections. These actions undermined transparency and fairness, casting a shadow over Zimbabwe’s electoral system. His new role as commissioner-general only solidifies his power to continue these undemocratic practices.
Mutamba’s appointment is a clear message from Mnangagwa: the police are not here to serve the people but to protect Zanu PF’s grip on power. Zimbabweans have long endured a police force that prioritizes suppressing dissent over maintaining law and order. With Mutamba at the helm, this trend is set to continue.
What is particularly concerning is the timing of this appointment. Zimbabwe is facing mounting economic challenges, widespread poverty, and growing discontent among citizens. Instead of addressing these pressing issues, the regime is focused on tightening its control over state institutions. Installing Mutamba is not about improving policing—it is about ensuring that the police remain a weapon against anyone who dares to challenge the status quo.
As Mutamba prepares to take over, there are no illusions about what his leadership will bring. His history of repression, coupled with Mnangagwa’s unwavering support, paints a grim picture for Zimbabwe’s future. This appointment is a betrayal of the people’s hopes for a free and democratic Zimbabwe.
The question now is how long Zimbabweans will tolerate this cycle of repression. The country does not need more loyalists like Mutamba—it needs leaders who put the people first. But under this regime, it is clear that loyalty to Mnangagwa trumps loyalty to the nation.