Mutangadura muder case -The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) have recorded significant breakthroughs in two high-profile criminal cases — the arrest of a key suspect in the murder of Ruwa businessman Joseph Mutangadura and the takedown of a well-organised armed robbery syndicate that had been wreaking havoc across Bulawayo. The developments have been hailed as a major step forward in the fight against violent crime, following months of tireless investigation and public concern over escalating cases of murder and robbery.
The first of the two victories came with the dramatic arrest of Phillip Mutasa, a 38-year-old man believed to have played a central role in the gruesome killing of 67-year-old Joseph Mutangadura, a prominent businessman who was found murdered at his residence in Ruwa in August last year. The property, popularly known as the Mutangadura Hideout and located along Dunstan Road, had become a local landmark, and news of the businessman’s violent death shocked the community and sent ripples through Zimbabwe’s business circles.
According to police reports, Mutangadura was attacked and fatally assaulted during what investigators believe was a planned robbery that went horribly wrong. His body was discovered the following morning, prompting an intensive manhunt that spanned several provinces. For months, detectives from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Homicide unit followed leads, gathered forensic evidence, and interviewed witnesses in an effort to piece together the events of that fateful night.
Prime Suspect Arrested in Mutangadura Murder
ZRP national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that after a painstaking operation, the fugitive suspect was finally located and arrested in Mkoba 6, Gweru, where he had been hiding under a false identity. The arrest followed weeks of surveillance and collaboration between multiple police units.
“Detectives received information that the suspect was in hiding at a house in Gweru. Acting on the tip-off, our officers swiftly moved in and apprehended the accused without incident. He is now assisting police with investigations,” said Assistant Commissioner Nyathi.
Mutasa is expected to appear in court soon, facing charges of murder, robbery, and unlawful entry. Police say further arrests are likely as the investigation continues to uncover new details about possible accomplices who might still be at large.
Nyathi commended the CID team for their diligence and the public for providing crucial information that led to the breakthrough. “This arrest is a testament to the importance of community cooperation in fighting crime. No matter how long it takes, justice will catch up with those who commit heinous acts,” he said.
The Mutangadura family has expressed relief at the arrest, describing it as “a step toward closure” after more than a year of unanswered questions. Family spokesperson Tafadzwa Mutangadura thanked the police for their persistence, saying, “We are deeply grateful to the ZRP for not giving up. My father’s death left a huge void in our lives, but knowing that progress has been made brings us some comfort.”
In a separate but equally significant development, police in Bulawayo successfully dismantled a sophisticated armed robbery syndicate that had been terrorising residents and business owners in recent months. The gang is believed to have been responsible for a string of violent robberies targeting fuel stations, financial institutions, and private homes across the city.
The breakthrough followed a series of coordinated raids conducted by the CID Crime Squad and the Tactical Response Unit, resulting in multiple arrests and the recovery of firearms, ammunition, and stolen property. Police believe the gang was part of a wider criminal network operating across the Matabeleland region, using stolen vehicles and unregistered firearms to evade detection.
Assistant Commissioner Nyathi confirmed that the syndicate’s leader, known only as “Boss T”, was among those apprehended. “Our teams have managed to bring to an end a reign of terror that had caused fear in Bulawayo and surrounding areas. Several suspects are now in custody, and investigations are ongoing to identify additional members linked to the network,” he said.
Preliminary findings suggest the group had been coordinating attacks from safe houses in Nkulumane and Luveve, where officers recovered several weapons, including pistols, AK47 rifles, and machetes. Police also seized cash, cellphones, and vehicles suspected to have been used in the robberies.
Residents have welcomed the arrests, saying they will bring a sense of security back to the city. “For months, people were living in fear. These criminals were ruthless, targeting anyone who looked successful,” said Bulawayo businessman, Brighton Moyo. “We thank the police for finally restoring order.”
Assistant Commissioner Nyathi reiterated the ZRP’s commitment to ensuring public safety and urged citizens to remain vigilant. “We continue to appeal to communities to share information about suspicious individuals or activities. Working together, we can make our cities safer,” he said.
With both cases marking major successes, the ZRP has reaffirmed its determination to clamp down on violent crime across the country. Authorities say the recent arrests demonstrate that, while criminals may hide or flee, the law will always catch up with them — sooner or later.
Source- iHarare
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