Zimbabweans Confused After Police Boss Awarded Top Honour by Mnangagwa
Zimbabweans were left confused after President Emmerson Mnangagwa awarded the country’s top police officer with one of the nation’s highest honours, sparking questions about what he had done to deserve it.
Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana announced on 12 September 2025 that Commissioner General of Police Stephen Mutamba had been granted the Grand Commander of the Zimbabwe Order of Merit (GCZM).
Mangwana posted:
“It is hereby notified in terms of section 5(1)(c) of the Honours and Awards Act [Chapter 10:1], that His Excellency the President and Grand Master of the Order of Merit has granted the following award — Grand Commander of the Zimbabwe Order of Merit (GCZM).”
The announcement quickly set off a storm of reactions online.
Calls for explanation
Many Zimbabweans took to X to demand an explanation.
Tongerai Rugare asked:
“Kindly explain what he has done to deserve this unless it’s a diplomatic channel to retire him.”
Others linked the award to controversial policing tactics. A user called gushungo said:
“For bringing back Chihuri type of policing of roadblocks on every 1km interval, pathetic.”
Too soon?
Several questioned the timing. The Gas Guru wrote:
“Isn’t it too soon. The ink on his contract is hardly dry, and he is already honoured? Does that mean his predecessor was that horrible?”
He added:
“Unless of course the rogue policing we are experiencing daily is what our principals desired all along and he delivered.”
Another user, Terry Jr., mocked the move:
“Anga awana that award nguvaiko uyu (When did he get that award)?”
Doubts over merit
Critics openly challenged the value of the award. MaiweZimbabwe commented:
“So he is now the Grand Master of the Order of Merit? For a University with seriously useless qualifications?”
Tony Stark posted bluntly:
“Grand master of corruption.”
Meanwhile, The Inquisitive Mind called on Mangwana to explain further:
“Congratulations to the CGP General Stephen Mutambu. Secretary Mangwana is it not prudent to state his achievements that led H.E to confer such an esteemed award.”
Others voiced concerns about strained police–public relations. Rural Rep said:
“How does it change the relationship between the police force and the public? We are sick and tired of the level of abuse we face each day a minister visits town, as if we are foreigners, Nick.”
At the time of writing, neither Mangwana nor the government has provided details about the specific achievements that led to Mutamba’s award.
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The post Questions Mount After Police Boss Receives Top Award From President appeared first on iHarare News.
