By Takudziridzwa Nyama
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has finally filled the position of State Security Minister which has been vacant since the firing of Owen Ncube from the post in 2022. He has appointed Honourable Lovemore Matuke to be the Minister with immediate effect, a position where he will oversee the dreaded Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO).
Before he was appointed to be minister of state security, Matuke was Minister of State for Presidential Affairs in the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC).
The appointment of Hon Matuke comes hard on the heels of CCC MP for Hatcliffe Agency Gumbo questioning the constitutionality of the positon remaining vacant for two years.
In a statement issued yesterday, Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Martin Rushwaya announced the appointment.
“In terms of Section 104 Subsection (1) as read with Section 225 of the Constitution, His Excellency the President, Cde. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa has appointed Honourable Lovemore Matuke, Senator, as the Minister of State for National Security with immediate effect,” said Rushwaya Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet.
The President also made two more appointments effective immediately effect. Ms. Rossy Mpofu has been appointed as the Special Advisor on Disability Issues in the Office of the President and Cabinet and Hon. Raymore Machingura assumes the role of Executive Director for the Presidential and National Scholarships Department in the Office of the President and Cabinet.