Mnangagwa has bestowed national honours and awards on 36 senior police officers in recognition of their outstanding contributions to law enforcement, public safety, and national development. The prestigious awards were announced through a Government Gazette published last Friday by the Registrar of Honours.
Leading the list of decorated officers is Commissioner-General of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), Stephen Mutamba, who received one of the highest honours—the Order of the Star of Zimbabwe (Gold). He was honoured alongside his three deputies: Deputy Commissioner Generals Dr. Mind Elliot Ngirandi, Learn Ncube, and Lorraine Chipato. National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi also featured prominently among the recipients.
The awards serve to acknowledge the officers’ collective and individual roles in fighting crime, promoting peace and order, and contributing to Zimbabwe’s national security. The recognition comes at a time when the nation continues to face challenges that require vigilant and dedicated law enforcement.
In total, 36 senior officers were honoured. Among them are senior police figures such as Abigail Moyo, Douglas Nyakutsikwa, Conneli Dube, Ndofandaedza Jaboon, Fredrick Mbengwa, Elizabeth Phiri, Tambudzai Joyleen Mazambani, Lyman Tapera Sithole, Wonder Tembo, Wicklef Makamache, and Dr. Edward Fusire. Others include Charles Nhete, Gift Hlabiso, Crispen Charumbira, Patson Nyabadza, Bazibi Dube, Steven Kazingizi, Nelson Charumbira, and Sundirai Grace Ndou.
The extensive list continues with Martin Matembo Nyirenda, Dr. Arnold Makomo, Taonei Nyazema, Jealous Nyabasa, Silungile Ndlovu, Dr. Edward Tshuma, Maxwell Chikunguru, Dr. Clancy Tapiwa F. Nyamkure, Jasper Takaengwa Chizemo, Charles Ndoro, Evelyn Taurai Phili, Susan Chemurema, and once again, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, who was listed among multiple categories.Mnangagwa .
According to the notice, the awards were granted under the Honours and Awards Act (Chapter 10:11), which authorizes the President—as Grand Master of the Order of Merit—to confer honours for exceptional service to the nation. The recognition is categorized into various levels including Gold, Silver, and Bronze, depending on the scale and impact of the service provided.
Commissioner-General Mutamba and his three deputies received the Order of the Star of Zimbabwe (Gold)—one of the highest civilian and military awards in the country. The remaining 32 officers were awarded the Commander of the Zimbabwe Order of Merit (CZM), a significant honour for distinguished service in the public sector.
Mnangagwa honours 36 police top brass
This move is part of a broader tradition by President Mnangagwa to recognize and honour individuals and organizations for their roles in nation-building, both before and after Zimbabwe’s independence. The awards span various sectors, from health and education to humanitarian and civil service.
Previous recipients of national honours include virologist Dr. Sikhulile Moyo, who was awarded the Order of the Great Zimbabwe in Gold for identifying the Omicron variant of COVID-19 in 2021. Other notable awardees include Dr. Mary Mubi, who received the Order of the Star of Zimbabwe (Gold), and Dr. Agnes Mahomva, who was honoured with the Silver Star, both for their roles in shaping Zimbabwe’s medical and scientific response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The late philanthropist Jairos Jiri was honoured posthumously with the Jairos Jiri Humanitarian Award (Gold) for his lifelong contributions to disability advocacy. Additionally, the Angel of Hope Foundation, led by First Lady Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa, was also recognized for its philanthropic work across the country.
During the 2023 Heroes Day celebrations, many of these awards were formally presented at National Heroes Acre, where medals were handed to recipients in a ceremony attended by top government officials and members of the public.
Moreover, over 100 individuals were also awarded the Independence Medal in Bronze for their involvement in Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle and ongoing efforts in post-independence nation-building. Among those recipients were high-profile figures such as Zanu-PF Chief Whip Pupurai Togarepi, Deputy Minister of Transport Mike Madiro, and Minister of State Security Lovemore Matuke.
A formal ceremony to present the most recent police honours is expected to be held soon, during which Mnangagwa will officially hand over the medals to the recipients. The recognition serves not only as a reward for exemplary service but also as a motivation for continued dedication to public service and national development. Officers thanks Mnangagwa.
