HARARE – President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Friday appointed Lieutenant General David Sigauke as the new commander of the Zimbabwe National Army.

Sigauke, who was Chief of Staff (General Staff), replaces Lieutenant General Edzai Chimonyo, who died of cancer last month.

Brigadier General Emmanuel Matatu, who headed the Zimbabwe National Defense University, is the new Chief of Staff (administration staff).

The appointments were announced by Defense Minister Oppah Muchinguri.

Retiring Brigadier General Sydney Bhebhe has been promoted to the rank of Major General – a long-established practice in the military.

Major General Kasirai Tazira leaves Zimbabwe Defense Forces (ZDF) Headquarters, where he was Inspector General, to take over Sigauke’s former post at Army Headquarters as Chief of Staff (general staff).

Major General Paul Chima is the new Inspector General. Major General Hlanganani Dube remains at army headquarters as quartermaster.

Muchinguri-Kashiri told Lt. Gen. Sigauke: “As head of the ZNA, you will have to rally soldiers to implement government programs. You will also be responsible for ensuring the well-being of the forces by instilling discipline and loyalty and empowering them to adequately defend the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country.