Normalcy returns to Zimbabwe as army returns to barracks, handsover to police

Normalcy has finally returns to Zimbabwe as the country's Defence Forces officially called off its Operation Restore Legacy which which was launched on the  13th of November and further ushering in the country’s new President Emmerson Mnangagwa into office.

Addressing a press conference on behalf of the Defence and Security Services at Josiah Magama Tongogara Barracks on Monday morning, Commander of Zimbabwe National Army, Lieutenant General Philip Valerio Sibanda said Operation Restore Legacy has achieved its purpose to apprehend criminals around former long time President Robert Mugabe and there is now change of guard in the country's leadership.

The press conference was attended by high ranking officers from the Zimbabwe Defence Forces and Security Services who include Major General Douglas Nyikayaramba, Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services boss, (retired) Major General Paradzai Zimondi and ZRP chief spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba.

Philip Valerio Sibanda said normal police duties are to begin after the end of Operation Restore Legacy. The Army boss, urged police to be professional in carrying out their duties,

Normalcy has now returned to the country. This day (start of operation) was historic and will be remembered by generations to come,” said Gen Sibanda.

It is our wish that voting and campaigning takes place in peace…Let us now all work for a peaceful and prosperous Zimbabwe, he added.

While some of the individuals have been accounted for, others skipped the country. This notwithstanding, the objectives of the operation have to a large extent been achieved.

Besides the above-mentioned objective, Operation Restore Legacy has had wider implications on the political, economic and social activities of our people.

In this regard a new political dispensation has been ushered-in to take Zimbabwe into its rightful place with SADC and the world at large," he said.

Lieutenant General Sibanda thanked all Zimbabweans for their support, patience and understanding during the five weeks of the operation.

He urged Zimbabweans to remain united and peaceful as the country prepares for the 2018 harmonised elections, adding that the elections must be conducted in an environment of peace and tranquility.