The Herald

The Zimbabwe National Army (file photo)

In a statement, President Emmerson Mnangagwa promoted Lieutenant General Emmanuel Matatu before naming him head of the Zimbabwean Defence Force (ZDF). Another officer, Major General Asher Walter Tapfumaneyi, was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General and appointed Commander of the Zimbabwean Armed Forces.

The presidency said the decision was in keeping with the country’s Constitution.

In September, the president handed over more than 100 vehicles to the ZDF, promising hundreds more. This move prompted rumors of an attempt to appease soldiers amid reports of strained relations with the military.