Four suspected armed robbers were shot dead while another was arrested following a shootout with police detectives in Warren Park, Harare, during an operation targeting a gang allegedly linked to a string of violent robberies across the capital.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirmed that the incident occurred on 30 March 2026 after investigators tracked suspects connected to several armed robbery cases reported in Harare between February and March.
In a statement released on 1 April, police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said detectives from CID Homicide initially arrested Nelson Chitima, 28, at his residence in Glenview 7 Extension after receiving intelligence linking him to the robberies.
During questioning, Chitima allegedly implicated several accomplices identified as Edson Guvira, Mike Manyima, Office Chanakira, Atenzi and Chris.
Police recovered a Nissan NV350 believed to have been used as a getaway vehicle, together with a white balaclava, gloves and assorted liquor suspected to be stolen property. Chitima later assisted detectives in luring one of the suspects to Mhishi Shopping Centre.
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“Upon noticing the detectives, the suspect fled and ignored warning shots fired by police,” Nyathi said. “He was subsequently shot on the leg, leading to his arrest.”
Investigations later led detectives to Warren Park 1 Shopping Centre, where police say the remaining suspects were preparing to commit another robbery. Officers reported that the suspects arrived in a Toyota Passo and were ordered to surrender after detectives identified themselves.
“The suspects fired shots at the officers and a shootout ensued,” Nyathi said. “Four suspects were shot and later pronounced dead upon admission at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals.”
A search of the suspects’ vehicle allegedly led to the recovery of a .70 Vozol pistol with a magazine containing three rounds, a .38 Rossi revolver loaded with one round, a Supercat 1911 pellet gun and 35 live 9mm rounds. Police also seized balaclavas, mobile phones and identification documents.
Authorities further recovered three vehicles believed to have been used by the gang — a black Toyota Hiace, a purple Toyota Passo and a red Honda Fit.
Investigators suspect the group was responsible for multiple armed robberies across Harare, including a break-in at Kuwadzana 2 Shopping Centre on 25 February where goods worth about US$500 were stolen, an attack on security guards in Aspindale on 26 February during which a .38 Rossi revolver was taken, and a liquor store robbery in Glen Norah on 25 March where alcohol valued at nearly US$1,900 was stolen.
“There is no going back in the fight against armed robbery cases in the country,” Nyathi said. “The police will decisively respond to any form of violent confrontation by armed robbery gangs.”
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