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This puts paid to media reports quoting Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, saying Comm-Gen Chihuri was currently occupying the post in an acting capacity.
The re-appointment followed a meeting of principals to the Global Political Agreement on Tuesday afternoon.
The principals discussed among other issues the economy, sanctions, Council of Ministers, Government Work Programme, assessment of productivity on farms, violence, the Attorney General Bill, the constitution-making programme, elections, the media and other legislative issues.
The principals, President Mugabe, PM Tsvangirai and Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara, also discussed the appointment and extension of terms of office for service chiefs.
The three leaders agreed that the extensions and appointments of service chiefs would be done as laid down in the Constitution.
Presidential spokesperson Mr George Charamba yesterday said President Mugabe, guided by Zimbabwe’s supreme law, had extended Comm-Gen Chihuri’s term of office.
“When CG Chihuri’s term of office expired, President Mugabe solicited the views of the necessary commission as provided for in the Constitution,” he said.
The recommendations for the reappointment of Comm-Gen Chihuri were done by the Police Service Commission chaired by Dr Mariyawanda Nzuwa.
Dr Nzuwa is also the Public Service Commission chairman.
“Decision on Comm-Gen Chihuri’s career was due, the President, as dictated by the Constitution, solicited the Police Service Commission, which tendered their recommendations in writing through the Chief Secretary to the Presidency and Cabinet.
“It is that opinion which guided the President in arriving at a decision.
“It is on that basis that the President extended the (Police) Commissioner-General’s term of office to 2014.”
Mr Charamba said the extension meant Comm-Gen Chihuri was occupying the post substantively.
“The law has been fulfilled and the decision taken is irrevocable.”
He said the same decision held for all posts for service chiefs in Zimbabwe.
“Their terms of office have been extended. This is a unique service, one area of public service where things must happen according to law and to book.
“The chain of command is not based on half assumptions and tentative decision.
“There is no room for ambiguity. Disturbing and destabilising the chain of command never bodes well for the security of the State. There is a finality and closure to the whole debate.”
Mr Charamba said President Mugabe also explained Major-General Douglas Nyikayaramba’s promotion.
“His promotion was based on seniority. His political utterances are a matter for the Defence Minister. His appointment is valid.”
President Mugabe consults the Defence Service Commission, Prison Service Commission and Police Service Commission when appointing or reappointing service chiefs.
According to the Constitution of Zimbabwe, President Mugabe consults with the other principals before appointing the service chiefs as was done on Tuesday afternoon.