A high-octane police operation near Norton Tollgate ended in a dramatic shoot-out that left four suspected armed robbers dead and two police detectives seriously injured. The operation, launched by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Homicide Unit, follows a spate of violent crimes that have plagued Harare and Bulawayo in recent weeks.
According to police sources, the incident began after detectives received credible intelligence regarding the movement of a dangerous gang implicated in several high-profile robberies. Acting on this information, officers tracked the suspects’ vehicle — a silver Toyota Axio — and initiated a pursuit.
The chase turned violent when the suspects allegedly opened fire on pursuing officers, triggering an intense exchange of gunfire. Police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, described the scene as “a serious armed confrontation.”
“As the detectives were following, the suspects fired at them, resulting in a serious exchange of fire near Norton Tollgate,” Commissioner Nyathi said.
The shoot-out concluded with all four gunmen neutralised at the scene, while two detectives sustained serious injuries and were rushed to hospital for treatment. Their condition is reported to be stable but critical.Following the confrontation, police secured the suspects’ vehicle and conducted a thorough forensic search. Inside, investigators discovered an array of incriminating evidence that would link the gang to a string of violent crimes.
Recovered items included:
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Two 9mm pistols, one identified as a Girsan model.
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Three rounds of ammunition.
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Distinctive apparel — a pair of grey army green Relay shoes and a navy blue ‘Grey Wolf’ branded jacket.
These seemingly ordinary items proved pivotal in piecing together the gang’s criminal record. Forensic and investigative teams matched the clothing to CCTV footage from a violent robbery at a Harare hospital on September 30.
Commissioner Nyathi confirmed the link:
“One of the deceased suspects was captured on CCTV footage during an armed robbery at a Harare hospital on September 30, wearing the same shoes and jacket recovered from the vehicle.”
During that robbery, the syndicate made off with US$1,833 in cash and airtime vouchers valued at US$140. Police investigations now indicate that the group was responsible for at least five other major heists, including a particularly bold incident in Njube, Bulawayo, where US$8,000 in cash and an iPhone were stolen.
Four Gunmen Killed in Dramatic Norton Tollgate Shoot-Out as CID Dismantles Armed Robbery Syndicate
The successful takedown of this syndicate marks a significant win for law enforcement in Zimbabwe’s ongoing battle against armed robbery. Police sources say the gang operated with precision and violence, targeting high-value locations and carrying out operations that instilled fear in the public.
Commissioner Nyathi stressed that the incident sends a strong warning to criminal elements across the country:
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that there is no going back in the fight against armed robbery cases in the country. All syndicates, whether locally or foreign-based, will be decisively dealt with in line with the country’s laws.”
He added that the operation was a result of meticulous intelligence work and coordination across police units, underlining the force’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks that threaten public safety.
As the investigation continues, police are urging the public to assist with information that could link other crimes to the same group. Authorities have appealed for witnesses, particularly those who may have been victims of robberies in Harare and Bulawayo in recent months, to come forward.
The recovered clothing and firearms are now being analysed as part of ongoing forensic work, and detectives are tracing the origins of the weapons to determine whether they were locally acquired or smuggled.
The toll of the shoot-out extends beyond the loss of the four suspects. Two detectives — who bravely engaged the armed gang — remain in hospital with gunshot wounds. Their injuries have sparked an outpouring of support from both the police fraternity and the public, with calls for better resources and support for law enforcement officers in the line of duty.
The incident has also reignited public dialogue about safety on Zimbabwe’s roads and in its urban centres, as the frequency and brazen nature of armed robberies continue to rise.In a clear message to criminals, Commissioner Nyathi concluded:
“We will not relent in our pursuit of justice. No gang is untouchable. The Zimbabwe Republic Police is committed to safeguarding citizens and ensuring the rule of law prevails.”
As police continue piecing together the full scope of the gang’s criminal activities, the Norton Tollgate shoot-out stands as a powerful testament to the risks officers face and the lengths the Zimbabwe Republic Police will go to dismantle violent criminal syndicates.
Source- iHarare
