Walter Tapfumaneyi

News

General Matatu sworn-in as new army boss

General Philip Valerio Sibanda officially hands over the reigns on Monday 24th November 2025 at Charles Gumbo Barracks during the handover ceremony of Emmanuel Matatu as the new Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces.

General Matatu was promoted from Lieutenant General to the rank of General, while Lieutenant General Walter Tapfumaneyi assumes command of the Zimbabwe National Army, succeeding the former.

Wilson Chipangura
November 25, 2025

News

Mnangagwa retires General Sibanda, promotes Matatu to new rank

Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Army General Valerio Sibanda share a moment at Robert Mugabe Internation Airport in Harare, Zimbabwe in February 2025.

President Mnangagwa has appointed Matatu to the position of Commander following the retirement of outgoing Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, General Philip Valerio Sibanda.