Harare, (New Ziana) – Three suspected armed robbers who allegedly gunned down a police officer in Bulawayo who was on duty have been arrested.
National police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the fire arm used in the commission of the alleged offence was recovered from the trio.
“Reference is made to the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s press statement released on 28th March 2025 regarding the shooting of a police officer, Sergeant Abel Masava, in Sizinda, Bulawayo at 0030 hours. The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of Mandlenkosi Albert Munangati (26), Clifford Desmond Nare (33) and Thabo Dube (24) in connection with the murder case. “The firearm used to kill the police officer has been recovered from the robbers,” Commissioner Nyathi.
He said the suspects are also linked to a spate of armed robbery cases in Bulawayo which occurred between 22nd April 2024 and 28th March 2025. Commissioner Nyathi said on March 30 this year, detectives received information linking a Honda Fit vehicle, registration number AGG 8380, to the murder case and a spate of armed robbery cases in Bulawayo before tracking the vehicle and arresting Mandlenkosi Albert Munangati who, upon interrogation, implicated the other suspects leading to their arrest and recovery of five firearms – a National Browning pistol, Blow F92 Blank pellet gun, Long Rifle 12GA 76/3 inch long, Vizor Pistol, shot gun and a sword.
Two other suspects, Sipho Ncube (24) and Dumisani Ndlovu (32), said Commissioner Nyathi, tried to escape, resulting in a shootout with detectives along Harrow Street, Saucetown, Bulawayo and the two suspects died upon admission at United Bulawayo Hospitals.
“The suspects are being linked to 25 cases of armed robbery including a case which occurred at a supermarket in New Luveve on 28th December 2024, where cash and three cellphones were stolen and another robbery case which occurred at a funeral parlour in Kelvin North, Bulawayo on 10th February 2025 where USD 3 608.00 and ZAR 21 130.00 cash and a cell phone were stolen,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
The arrested suspects, said Commissioner Nyathi, are also helping in clearing a case of robbery which occurred at a service station at corner Nketa drive and Rangemore Road on 02nd March 2025 where a shot gun and a cellphone were stolen.
He said police investigations have revealed that the suspects were targeting service stations (fuel), liquor outlets, supermarkets, funeral parlous and gas operators.
“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 National Complaints Desk on (0242) 703631 or WhatsApp on 0712 800 197 or report at any nearest Police Station. “
The Police reiterates 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,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
New Ziana
