Police have arrested three suspects linked to the fatal shooting of a police officer in Bulawayo and a spate of armed robberies across the city.
Sergeant Abel Masava was shot dead in Sizinda, Bulawayo, in the early hours of 28 March 2025.
In a statement, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest of Mandlenkosi Albert Munangati (26), Clifford Desmond Nare (33), and Thabo Dube (24) in connection with the murder.
“The firearm used to kill the police officer has been recovered from the robbers,” the statement read.
Sergeant Masava was fatally shot after stopping five men and requesting identification shortly after midnight. The deceased cop who was stationed at Tshabalala Police Station, was attending a domestic violence incident when he noticed the group dressed in dark clothing approaching as he stood next to a police vehicle.
Commissioner Nyathi said the suspects were part of an armed gang responsible for multiple robberies in Bulawayo between 22 April 2024 and 28 March 2025.
The breakthrough in the case came on 30 March 2025, when detectives tracked a Honda Fit vehicle, registration number AGG 8380, linking it to the murder and various robberies. Munangati’s arrest led to further developments, resulting in the detention of his accomplices and the recovery of weapons.
“The detectives tracked the vehicle, leading to the arrest of Mandlenkosi Albert Munangati. The suspect implicated the other suspects, leading to their arrest and recovery of five firearms, including a National Browning pistol, Blow F92 Blank pellet gun, Long Rifle 12GA 76/3 inch long, Vizor Pistol, shotgun, and a sword,” Comm Nyathi confirmed.
Two additional suspects, Sipho Ncube (24) and Dumisani Ndlovu (32), attempted to evade arrest and engaged in a shootout with detectives along Harrow Street in Bulawayo.
“The two suspects died upon admission at United Bulawayo Hospitals,” the statement added.
Investigations have revealed that the gang had been targeting fuel stations, liquor outlets, supermarkets, funeral parlours, and gas operators.
The ZRP commended the public for assisting with information that led to the arrests and urged citizens to continue reporting criminal activities.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police applauds the public for providing positive information which led to the arrest of the suspects. The public is urged to continue providing information on the National Complaints Desk at (0242) 703631 or WhatsApp 0712 800 197 or report at any nearest Police Station.”
Police vowed to continue the fight against armed robbery syndicates, adding that, “…there is no going back in the fight against robbery syndicates in the country. The law will take its course without fear or favour.”