Constantino Chiwenga to quit as Zimbabwe’s military chief for vice-presidency
Harare — The head of Zimbabwe’s military, who led the de facto coup that ended Robert Mugabe’s 37-year rule in November, is set to retire, the government said on Monday, paving the way for his widely anticipated appointment as vice-president. Constantino Chiwenga is the top contender to become a deputy to the new president, Emmerson Mnangagwa, one of two posts Mnangagwa has promised to fill in the next few days. Army Commander Phillip Sibanda will succeed Chiwenga as defence forces chief, a statement said. The government also announced the retirement of police chief Augustine Chihuri, a deeply unpopular Mugabe loyalist who it said had been on leave since December 15. Chihuri was accused by rights groups of presiding over vicious crackdowns on dissent and popular protest in the 18 months before Mugabe’s ousting. Mnangagwa, who was sworn in on November 24, also appointed Maj-Gen Edzai Chimonyo, Zimbabwe’s ambassador to Tanzania, to army commander, and promoted a number of other senior...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.