Mnangagwa Renames Tomlinson Depot to Chimoio Camp

Oscar J Jeke- Zim Now Reporter

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has officially renamed Tomlinson Depot to Chimoio Camp Depot in a ceremony aimed at advancing Zimbabwe’s efforts to reclaim and preserve its liberation war heritage. Speaking at the event held in Harare on Thursday, the President also commissioned new residential flats for police officers, named the Chimoio Police Camp Flats.

The name change is part of an ongoing campaign to decolonize Zimbabwe’s public institutions and landmarks. “Colonialism saw the naming of places and institutions being used as a means of dispossession... My administration took a deliberate decision to accelerate the name changes of numerous strategic national institutions,” Mnangagwa said.

The President stated that the renaming pays tribute to Chimoio Camp in Mozambique, a site of historical significance during the liberation struggle, and is intended to educate future generations on Zimbabwe’s past. He described the move as a milestone in dismantling colonial legacies and fostering national pride.

Mnangagwa also honoured the role played by Frontline States, particularly Mozambique and FRELIMO, in hosting and supporting Zimbabwean liberation fighters. “Zimbabwe shall always remain eternally indebted to them for these acts of solidarity and support,” he said.

Turning to police welfare, the President commissioned four blocks of newly constructed flats at the renamed camp, pledging his government’s commitment to improving housing and working conditions for security services. “The importance of decent accommodation for any employee cannot be overemphasised,” he said. He urged government ministries and stakeholders in housing and public works to collaborate more effectively to meet the accommodation needs of police officers and civil servants across the country.

Mnangagwa highlighted that the government is exploring climate-smart technologies and enhanced infrastructure to improve officer welfare and support social development, particularly among the youth. He also pledged continued investment in police training, equipment, and capacity building to tackle emerging threats such as transnational crime, armed robberies, and road accidents.