Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura-Mutare Bureau
Commander Zimbabwe National Army Lieutenant-General Asher Walter Tapfumaneyi has said the media should stop creating imaginary and conspiracy theories around transfers, postings and promotions which are ongoing in the organisation.
Speaking at the handover and takeover of command at Herbert Chitepo Barracks in Mutare yesterday, Lt-Gen Tapfumaneyi said the changes are routine and the media should not cook up stories claiming the transfers are targeted.
Brigadier-General Earnest Shamu handed over command and control of 3 Infantry Brigade to Colonel Kenson Carlos Dube.
Brig-Gen Shamu has been transferred to One Infantry Brigade in Bulawayo.
“I want to take a moment to address members of the media. There is no controversy or conspiracy behind these changes of command. Changes of command are routine in any military organisation and that takes the form of postings, appointments and promotions.
“So this is routine. I became army commander myself in November, replacing General (Emmanuel) Matatu, who has gone up to be commander of the Defence Forces, replacing General PV Sibanda, who has retired,” said Lt-Gen Tapfumaneyi.
“These changes, which are taking place, are commensurate with those changes. When people go up, vacancies are created. The changes are not targeting anybody; they are not pursuing any political agenda.
“Our mandate is to defend Zimbabwe from external and internal enemies when they arise among us. Anybody who wants to cook up a story painting conspiracy theories is lost in his weak imagination. We are there to defend this country”.
He said both Brig-Gen Shamu and Colonel Dube are senior army officers who have unquestionable loyalty to duty.
Lt-Gen Tapfumaneyi said the two officers, who are all veterans of the liberation struggle, have long and illustrious careers in the army, being founder members of the Zimbabwe National Army in 1980.
“The two commanders whose changeover of command and control we are witnessing today (yesterday) are high-calibre commanders of unquestionable loyalty whose dedication to duty is beyond reproach.
“Both of them are founding members of the Zimbabwe National Army. Both are veterans of the liberation struggle until their attestation in the Zimbabwe National Army at its inception in the 1980s. Since then, they have served in various capacities in the ZNA,” he said.
The ZNA Commander expressed gratitude to Brigadier-General Shamu for his exemplary leadership.
“His exemplary leadership and dedication to duty and his selfless efforts have been instrumental in shaping the formation into the cohesive and effective force that it is today.
“That touch of your leadership will certainly leave its mark on this formation. General Shamu demonstrated exceptional resilience, adaptability and courage in the face of adversity and challenges caused by the illegal sanctions that were imposed upon our country.
“I am confident that the incoming Commander, Colonel Dube, will exhibit the same passion which his predecessor had. He is a senior officer of great repute throughout his illustrious career.
“He has displayed a high sense of loyalty and dedication to duty”.
Colonel Dube served in various capacities, including as an accomplished trainer at the Zimbabwe Staff College, All Arms Battle School, Zimbabwe School of Infantry and also as a team leader during a ZNA training operation with Namibia.
“Prior to his elevation to be commander 3 Infantry Brigade, he was deputy commander One Infantry Brigade. He also had a stint in the diplomatic arena and to that end, I do not doubt that 3 Infantry Brigade and the province at large will benefit from his experience during his time as commander,” said Lt-Gen Tapfumaneyi.
