Key suspect in Mutangadura shooting arrested in Gweru

 

Detectives from the Zimbabwe Republic Police have arrested Phillip Mutasa, 38, in connection with the murder and robbery of businessman Joseph Mutangadura, 67, at Mutangadura Hideout in Ruwa on 17 August 2025.

According to police, Mutasa was arrested on 3 October 2025 in Mkoba Six, Gweru following a manhunt by CID Homicide detectives in Harare. Investigators had received intelligence linking him to both the murder and robbery, which occurred at the businessman’s entertainment spot along Dunstan Road.

Mutasa reportedly implicated seven accomplices, who remain on the run.

Mutangadura, a well-known Ruwa entrepreneur, was killed during a violent robbery that shocked the business community and drew widespread calls for tighter security around cash-heavy establishments.

Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest, adding that detectives were now pursuing leads to apprehend the remaining suspects.

“The ZRP continues to intensify investigations and urges anyone with information on the whereabouts of the outstanding suspects to report at the nearest police station,” Nyathi said.

The arrest is expected to provide critical breakthroughs in the ongoing investigation into a string of violent robberies targeting businesspeople in Harare and surrounding areas.