Mnangagwa Promotes Former CIO Director General to Key Army Role

Mnangagwa Promotes Ex-CIO Director General Walter Tapfumaneyi to Army Chief of Staff

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has appointed Walter Tapfumaneyi, the former deputy director general of the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO), to a senior position in the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA).

Mnangagwa Promotes Walter Tapfumaneyi to Army Chief of Staff

After stepping down from his role at the CIO in March 2025, Tapfumaneyi has now been named chief of staff of the Zimbabwe National Army, according to sources speaking to ZimLive. He officially took up the post on Wednesday, 28 May 2025. Before his appointment, Tapfumaneyi spent some time away from the public eye at a farm in Banket.

Tapfumaneyi retired from the military holding the rank of brigadier general. His new appointment comes with a promotion to major general, taking over a role once held by Lieutenant General Emmanuel Matatu, who is now the army commander. Reports suggest that Mnangagwa plans to eventually elevate Tapfumaneyi to army commander when Matatu steps down, possibly before 2027.

Also read: Who Is Lieutenant-General Emmanuel Matatu?: Everything We Know About the New ZNA Commander

Alleged Controversial Past and Sanctions

Tapfumaneyi’s tenure as a top intelligence official was not without controversy. Opposition parties and human rights groups accused him of using intelligence operatives to intimidate voters during the August 2023 elections, working closely with the ruling party’s Forever Association of Zimbabwe (FAZ).

In March 2024, the United States imposed sanctions on Tapfumaneyi, citing his role in disrupting the 2023 electoral process through the leadership of ruling party-affiliated groups. The US Treasury also alleged his involvement in past kidnappings.

Changes in CIO Leadership

Alongside Tapfumaneyi’s move, Mnangagwa has reshuffled the CIO’s leadership. Cephas Hodzi has replaced Tapfumaneyi as deputy director general in charge of operations. Paul Chikawa is now the director general external, and Benadate Mandongwe takes over as deputy director general responsible for administration.

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