HARARE — Two residents of Mabvuku appeared in Harare Magistrates Court this week facing charges of unlawful possession of firearms after police recovered three pistols from one of the accused’s garden in what authorities have described as part of a broader crackdown on a network of armed robberies targeting money transfer outlets in the city.
The accused, 43-year-old Tamari Tikiza and 58-year-old Shepard Maisiri, were presented before Magistrate Ruth Moyo following an investigation led by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Homicide unit in Harare. The firearms recovered during the operation are alleged to have been stored for safekeeping on behalf of a known criminal suspect, Clever Chada, who was previously arrested in January 2025 in connection with a series of armed robberies targeting Mukuru Money Transfer outlets across the city.
According to the State, police acted on intelligence received on 21 November 2025, indicating that Chada had instructed his wife, Erinita Chingosho—currently at large—to hide firearms that had been used in his criminal activities. Acting on the information, detectives visited Tikiza’s residence on 22 November, where she reportedly admitted to receiving the firearms from Chingosho with instructions to conceal them.
Tikiza told investigators that she had transported the firearms to her nephew, Shepard Maisiri, who was aware of the plan and had agreed to store the weapons. Following the information provided, detectives conducted a search at Maisiri’s property, where they recovered a black plastic bag containing three firearms: an AUT 6.5mm pistol, a Browning Spatene Depose, and a Patented Colt pistol. The discovery marked a significant development in the ongoing investigation into Chada’s network, which has been under close surveillance since his initial arrest earlier this year.
Mabvuku Residents Shocked by Hidden Weapons Discovery
Magistrate Moyo remanded the accused in custody pending further investigations. Both Tikiza and Maisiri are expected to return to court as police continue to gather evidence and identify other individuals who may have assisted in concealing firearms or facilitating the robberies. The court proceedings were attended by investigators from the CID Homicide unit, who emphasised that the case forms part of a larger effort to dismantle organised criminal networks operating in Harare.
Authorities warned that the operation underscores the seriousness with which Zimbabwean police are treating the unlawful possession and concealment of firearms. Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi stated that the department was intensifying its efforts to locate Chingosho, who remains at large, as well as other associates believed to be involved in Chada’s series of armed robberies.
“These arrests demonstrate our commitment to tackling organised crime and ensuring that firearms used in violent crimes are removed from circulation,” Nyathi said. “We are following all leads and will leave no stone unturned in apprehending those responsible for these criminal acts.”
The recovery of the firearms from Maisiri’s garden has prompted discussions on social media about the persistence of illegal arms within urban communities and the dangers they pose. Many users noted that incidents such as this highlight the importance of vigilant policing and intelligence-led operations in preventing violent crime. Others raised questions about how firearms continue to circulate in urban areas despite law enforcement efforts and called for stricter controls on the illegal possession and transfer of weapons.
The case also sheds light on the methods employed by criminal networks to avoid detection. By passing firearms to family members and trusted associates, suspects like Chada and Chingosho attempt to shield themselves from law enforcement scrutiny while continuing to orchestrate criminal activities. Police have repeatedly warned the public against participating in such activities, noting that aiding in the concealment of firearms or other criminal tools carries serious legal consequences.
Tikiza and Maisiri’s appearances in court serve as a reminder that anyone found in possession of unlicensed firearms or involved in the concealment of weapons can face severe penalties under Zimbabwean law. Investigators have indicated that the case is ongoing and that additional arrests could follow as they trace other participants in Chada’s criminal network.
Meanwhile, police continue to encourage community members to provide information on the whereabouts of Chingosho and any other individuals suspected of involvement in the armed robberies. The department has assured the public that all tips will be treated with confidentiality and that assistance from the community is critical in dismantling organised criminal operations.
As Zimbabwean authorities intensify efforts to combat armed robbery and illegal firearms possession, the ongoing investigation into Chada’s network highlights both the challenges and successes of law enforcement in maintaining public safety. The proceedings against Tikiza and Maisiri are being closely monitored, with many anticipating that further developments could provide additional insight into the scope and reach of criminal activities targeting financial outlets in Harare.
Source- Byo24
