Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana on Friday announced that Police Commissioner-General Stephen Mutamba has been conferred with one of Zimbabwe’s highest civilian accolades — the Grand Commander of the Zimbabwe Order of Merit (GCZM) — by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, a move that has sparked outrage and debate across the country.
According to a notice published under the Honours and Awards Act [Chapter 10:1], Mangwana stated:
“It is hereby notified in terms of section 5(1)(c) of the Honours and Awards Act [Chapter 10:1], that His Excellency the President and Grand Master of the Order of Merit has granted the following award — Grand Commander of the Zimbabwe Order of Merit (GCZM) to Mutamba Stephen.”
The GCZM is traditionally reserved for individuals who have rendered outstanding service to the nation. Its conferment on Mutamba, however, has raised eyebrows given the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s (ZRP) poor record under his watch.
National Outcry as Mnangagwa Decorates Embattled Police Boss Mutamba
Under Mutamba’s leadership, the ZRP has faced repeated criticism for incompetence and corruption. Ordinary citizens, civil society, and even some ruling party insiders have accused the police of failing in their core duty of maintaining law and order.
Violent crime, particularly armed robberies, has escalated in recent years, often involving serving or former police officers. Investigations into major cases have frequently stalled, leading to accusations of negligence and lack of professionalism.
“The police are failing in their most basic responsibilities,” said one Harare-based security analyst. “Rewarding the Commissioner-General under these circumstances sends the wrong message — that loyalty is valued more than service to the people.”
In addition to mishandling crime, the ZRP has long been accused of permitting corruption to thrive within its ranks. From routine bribe-taking at roadblocks to questionable recruitment and promotion practices, critics argue that Mutamba has presided over a system that normalises misconduct.
The award has also reignited debate over the ZRP’s partisanship in electoral and political matters. Opposition parties and rights groups accuse the police of turning a blind eye to ruling party abuses while clamping down heavily on dissent.
During protests and opposition rallies, police have been quick to ban gatherings or use excessive force, while incidents involving Zanu PF supporters often go unpunished. Observers argue this selective application of the law has eroded public trust in the force.
“The ZRP under Mutamba has consistently acted as an enforcement arm of the ruling party rather than a neutral law enforcement institution,” said a political commentator. “By giving him such a high honour, the government is essentially endorsing this bias.”
Critics contend that the decision reflects a broader trend in which state accolades are increasingly weaponised as instruments of patronage rather than genuine recognition of service.
Instead of rewarding competence, innovation, or public service, honours are seen as reinforcing loyalty to President Mnangagwa and his inner circle. This pattern mirrors the way in which appointments to top state institutions — including the judiciary, military, and security sector — have often favoured those perceived as politically dependable.
One social media user remarked: “Mutamba is not being honoured for protecting the public. He is being rewarded for protecting the system.”
The announcement triggered a wave of criticism online, with hashtags questioning the integrity of the award trending briefly on X (formerly Twitter). Many Zimbabweans expressed frustration, arguing that such honours lose credibility when bestowed on figures associated with failure and controversy.
Civil society organisations also weighed in. A coalition of human rights defenders described the award as “a slap in the face for victims of police abuse and a mockery of justice.” They urged the government to prioritise reforms in policing rather than issuing symbolic rewards.
Despite the criticism, government officials maintain that the honour is justified. Mangwana and other state media commentators have praised Mutamba’s long service, framing him as a committed officer who has defended Zimbabwe’s sovereignty and upheld security in difficult times.
Supporters of the award argue that policing in Zimbabwe is uniquely challenging, given economic hardships, resource constraints, and external pressures. They claim that recognising Mutamba boosts morale within the police force and demonstrates presidential confidence in its leadership.
The controversy highlights the deepening disconnect between the state and public expectations. While government insists on honouring figures it deems loyal and patriotic, many Zimbabweans see such gestures as tone-deaf and emblematic of a system unwilling to confront its failures.
For President Mnangagwa, the decision underscores his governing style — consolidating control through a network of loyalists rather than addressing systemic weaknesses. For the ZRP, it further cements its reputation as a partisan institution, undermining its credibility as a pillar of law enforcement.
As one political analyst summed it up: “This award is less about Mutamba’s achievements and more about Mnangagwa’s priorities. Competence no longer seems to matter — only loyalty does.”
Source – ZIMEYE
