Key Points
- Police and prison officers’ service extended to 30 years.
- New rules allow officers to work until age 70 under conditions.
- Analysts see changes as bolstering security force loyalty to Mnangagwa.
Under new rules, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has increased the typical tenure of police and prison guards in Zimbabwe from 20 to 30 years.
Police and prison officers’ service extended to 30 years
Tuesday saw the announcement of the amendments, which were made possible by Statutory Instrument (SI) 201 of 2024 under the Presidential Powers (Temporary Measures) (General Laws Amendment) Regulations.
After 30 years of pensionable service, the SI permits the police commissioner general to order retirement with a year’s written notice. Officers may continue to serve for an additional five years if the Commissioner-General thinks it appropriate, although the retirement age is still 60.
Additionally, in some circumstances, the regulations allow officers to continue working until they are 70. “The officer may serve until their 65th birthday, or up to 70 with additional extensions, if the Commissioner deems it desirable in the public interest and the officer is medically fit,” the SI said.
Prison officers can retire early after 10 years of service
The same rules apply to prison guards. They are eligible to retire on a gratuity after ten years of pensionable service or on a pension after thirty. With the Commissioner-General’s consent and written notice, they can also continue to serve until they are 65 or 70 years old.
As stated by News Day, The adjustments follow accusations that Mnangagwa’s government has disregarded security troops’ well-being. The 2017 military operation that overthrew longtime leader Robert Mugabe and installed Mnangagwa was largely the result of these forces.
According to political commentators, the action might be an effort to strengthen security forces’ allegiance as Mnangagwa’s supporters work to lift the term restriction on the presidency, which would enable the 82-year-old to hold office past 2028.
