President Emmerson Mnangagwa gave Walter Tapfumaneyi a new military job as chief of staff for Zimbabwe's national army. Tapfumaneyi used to work as deputy director general at the Central Intelligence Organisation before leaving that position last March. The former spy chief stayed at his Banket farm waiting for official confirmation of his next appointment. Sources confirmed Wednesday that Mnangagwa approved the promotion from brigadier general to major general rank. Opposition groups and rights organizations accused Tapfumaneyi of interfering with the 2023 elections.
American officials placed Tapfumaneyi under sanctions for disrupting the electoral process through ruling party groups. The United States Treasury Department claims he personally participated in past kidnapping operations against political opponents. Tapfumaneyi allegedly sent intelligence agents to polling stations to frighten voters during the August 2023 elections. He worked with the Forever Association of Zimbabwe to intimidate people trying to vote. The military plays important roles in Zanu PF succession planning after the 2017 coup removed Robert Mugabe.
Mnangagwa plans to promote Tapfumaneyi to army commander when Emmanuel Matatu steps down before 2027. The president also approved several changes within the CIO leadership structure across different departments. Cephas Hodzi replaced Tapfumaneyi as deputy director general for operations. Paul Chikawa took control of external affairs work. Benadate Mandongwe handles administrative duties as the new deputy director general.
American officials placed Tapfumaneyi under sanctions for disrupting the electoral process through ruling party groups. The United States Treasury Department claims he personally participated in past kidnapping operations against political opponents. Tapfumaneyi allegedly sent intelligence agents to polling stations to frighten voters during the August 2023 elections. He worked with the Forever Association of Zimbabwe to intimidate people trying to vote. The military plays important roles in Zanu PF succession planning after the 2017 coup removed Robert Mugabe.
Mnangagwa plans to promote Tapfumaneyi to army commander when Emmanuel Matatu steps down before 2027. The president also approved several changes within the CIO leadership structure across different departments. Cephas Hodzi replaced Tapfumaneyi as deputy director general for operations. Paul Chikawa took control of external affairs work. Benadate Mandongwe handles administrative duties as the new deputy director general.
