HARARE, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- The Zimbabwe Republic Police has retired more than 30 senior officers, from the rank of senior assistant commissioner up to deputy commissioner-general, as the government seeks to reform the force.

The move included former President Robert Mugabe's nephew Innocent Matibiri, who had widely been seen as the country's next police chief.

A copy of a letter to one of the senior officers seen by Xinhua and now being circulated on social media said the retirement would take effect from the midnight of Jan. 19.

"The Acting Commissioner-General of Police avails himself this opportunity to sincerely thank you for having diligently served the organization and the people of Zimbabwe," the letter from acting commissioner-general Godwin Matanga said.

The Zimbabwean police had in recent years suffered blows to its good image by cases of corruption and a high number of roadblocks that hindered the smooth flow of traffic.