Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander, General Constantino Chiwenga has retired from the military pending reappointment, according to Cabinet secretary Misheck Sibanda.
Chiwenga is widely expected to be appointed vice president by Zimbabwean president Emmerson Mnangagwa, who toppled former President Robert Mugabe in a bloodless military intervention to allegedly get rid of “criminals” surrounding Mugabe.
The former 93 year old president was forced to step down after the military intervened in the ruling Zanu PF succession battle.
Sibanda also announced the retirement of Zimbabwe Republic Police Commissioner General Augustine Chihuri. Several senior army officials were promoted to replace Chiwenga and Chihuri.
Agriculture minister Air Marshall Perrence Shiri was promoted to the rank of Air Chief Marshal while Major General Sibusiso Moyo and Major General Engelbert Rugeje were promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General on retirement.
Ambassador Major General Edzai Absolom Chanyuka Chimonyo and Air Vice Marshall Elson Moyo have been promoted to ZNA Commander and Air Force of Zimbabwe Commander respectively.
Still in the army, Brigadier General David Sigauke, Brigadier General John Chris Mupande, Brigadier General Paul Chima and Brigadier General Hlanganani Dube have promoted to the rank of Major General, while Air Commodore Jasper Garikayi Marangwanda is now Air Vice Marshal.