Harare, (New Ziana) – The Zimbabwe Republic Police has confirmed the arrest of two suspects and the fatal shooting of four others a police crackdown following a spate of armed robberies in Harare.
In a statement, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said Nelson Chitima (28) and Edson Guvira (38) were arrested, while four suspected accomplices Mike Manyima (37), Office Chanakira (38), and two others identified only as Atenzi and Chris died after a shootout with detectives in Warren Park on Monday.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of Nelson Chitima (28), Edson Guvira (38) and the subsequent death of Mike Manyima (37), Office Chanakira (38) and two other suspects only identified as Atenzi and Chris following a shootout with the police in Warren Park, Harare on 30th March 2026 in connection with a series of armed robbery cases which occurred in and around Harare during the month of February 2026 and March 2026,” he said.
He said the operation was carried out by detectives from CID Homicide Harare, who had been investigating a series of armed robbery incidents reported in and around the capital during February and March this year.
Comm Nyathi said the breakthrough came after Chitima was arrested at his residence in Glenview 7 Extension and implicated his accomplices, leading detectives to recover a Nissan NV350 vehicle believed to have been used as a getaway car, along with a white balaclava, gloves, and assorted liquor suspected to be stolen.
“Nelson Chitima assisted the detectives to lure Edson Guvia to Mhishi Shopping Centre, Harare. Upon noticing the detectives, the suspect fled leading the detectives to firing warning shots but he did not stop. Resultantly, the suspect was shot on the leg leading to his arrest,” he said.
He said further investigations led the detectives to Warren Park 1 Shopping Centre, Harare where they observed Mike Manyima, Office Chanakira, Atenzi and Chris arriving in a Toyota Passo vehicle, while planning for another robbery.
Further investigations led detectives to Warren Park 1 Shopping Centre, where the remaining suspects were reportedly spotted arriving in a Toyota Passo while allegedly planning another robbery.
Nyathi say the detectives identified themselves and ordered the suspects to surrender, but the group responded by opening fire.
“A shootout ensued, resulting in the suspects being shot. The four were taken to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, where they were pronounced dead upon admission,” he said.
A search of the suspects’ vehicle led to the recovery of firearms and other items, including a .70 Vozol pistol, a .38 Rossi revolver, a pellet gun, 35 rounds of 9mm ammunition, explosives, pepper spray, a balaclava, mobile phones, and identity documents.
Detectives also recovered three vehicles believed to have been used in the crimes: a black Toyota Hiace, a purple Toyota Passo, and a red Honda Fit.
Comm Nyathi said the suspects are linked to multiple armed robbery cases, including a February 25 break-in at Kuwadzana 2 Shopping Centre, where goods worth US$500 were stolen.
In another incident in Aspindale the following day, security guards were attacked and a .38 Rossi revolver was stolen.
On March 25, the group allegedly targeted a liquor store in Glen Norah, making off with beers and whisky valued at nearly US$2 000.
Comm Nyathi reiterated the firm stance of the police against violent crime, warning that officers will respond decisively to armed confrontations.
“There is no going back in the fight against armed robbery cases in the country,” he said.
New Ziana
