PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has promoted to the rank of
Major-General Presidential Guard commander Brigadier-General Anselem Nhamo
Sanyatwe, the man who commanded the military unit that reportedly shot at
unarmed protesters, killing at least six civilians on August 1 as post-election
violence rocked the capital.
Zimbabwe Defence Forces commander General Philip Valerio
Sibanda (left) confers the rank to Presidential Guard commander Major-General
Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe recently
The army was called in after police had reportedly been
overwhelmed by protesters over the delayed release of the presidential election
results held two days earlier.
As the situation deteriorated, the soldiers were reportedly
forced to use deadly force, killing six protesters.
Sanyatwe, who was commander of the crack Presidential Guard
elite unit, was key in the coup that brought to an end former President Robert
Mugabe’s 37-year-rule in November last year.
In a short citation seen by NewsDay, Commander of the
Zimbabwe Defence Forces Philip Valerio Sibanda said he had seen it fit to
recommend Sanyatwe and commander Military Intelligence Department Brigadier
General Thomas Moyo’s promotions to higher ranks.
“In terms of Section 15 (1) (b) (2) of the Defence Act
Chapter 11:02, His Excellency the President and Commander-in-Chief of the
Zimbabwe Defence Forces (Emmerson Mnangagwa) may promote or temporarily appoint
an officer to a higher rank.
“The Commander Defence Forces considered potential
brigadier-generals suitable for promotion to the rank of major-general. His
Excellency the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces
consented and consequently was pleased to promote you, Brigadier-General
Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe to the substantive rank of major-general with effect
from December 8, 2018,” the citation read.
Moyo was also elevated to major general. Mnangagwa has also made key appointments within the police
command as he moves to set up his own security structure that reflects his
vision and the direction he wants to take the country.
A commission of inquiry set up by Mnangagwa to investigate
the August 1 shootings has already produced a report that the President could
make public this week.
Sanyatwe appeared before the commission of inquiry chaired
by former South Africa President Kgalema Motlanthe and denied the military’s
culpability in the killings, instead pointing to a “third force” and implying
the opposition MDC, blamed for instigating the protests, harbours an armed
section among its youth assembly.
Meanwhile, civil society activist Paddington Japajapa, who
stands accused of inciting the political violence which rocked the capital on
August 1, leading to the fatal shootings, was yesterday removed from remand for
the second time after a State witness failed to come to court.
Japajapa, who is being charged with contravening section 36
of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23, through
incitement to commit public violence, was freed by Harare magistrate Edwin
Marecha.
The State had asked for a postponement of the matter,
saying the witness had other commitments, but the magistrate ruled that the
State would have to pursue the matter by way of summons if it so wishes.
Japajapa was represented by Simon Simango.
The State alleges that on July 31, Japajapa addressed a
Press conference at a time the July 30 election results were being announced by
the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission and threatened to call for chaos, claiming
the elections had been rigged.
Caroline Mutimusakwa appeared for the State. Newsday
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