Two suspected armed robbers are receiving treatment under police guard after detectives intercepted them at Jambanja Business Centre in Chitungwiza.
A police operation at a busy Chitungwiza shopping centre ended in a shootout and the arrest of two men suspected of belonging to an armed robbery syndicate operating across Harare.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police identified the suspects as John Nhira, aged 40, and Obert Maveza, aged 29.
Detectives arrested the pair at Jambanja Business Centre in Unit C on Wednesday, 11 November 2026, after receiving information about their location.
According to police, gunfire erupted during the operation. Both suspects suffered gunshot wounds to their legs before officers took them into custody.
They were transported to a local hospital, where they remain under police guard while receiving treatment.
Weapons recovered after dramatic operation
Police recovered an air gun and a Tokarev pistol during searches conducted after the arrests.
Investigators believe the Tokarev pistol was stolen during an armed robbery at a house in Ashdown Park, Harare, on 22 July 2026.
The recovery could prove important as detectives examine whether the weapon was used during other crimes linked to the suspected group.
Police will likely subject it to ballistic and forensic examinations as investigations continue.
No police officers or members of the public were reported injured during the confrontation.
The operation unfolded at a public business centre, raising fresh concerns about armed suspects moving through busy residential and commercial areas.
Suspects linked to 10 armed robberies
Police believe Nhira and Maveza are connected to 10 armed robbery cases recorded in Harare between January and September 2026.
Victims were allegedly attacked before being robbed of cash, household property and other valuables.
One of the cases under investigation happened in Cold Comfort on 3 August. During that robbery, criminals stole cash and valuables worth approximately US$8,120.
Another robbery occurred at a house in Madokero Estate on 12 September. Property valued at around US$3,100 was taken during that incident.
Detectives are now working to establish the pair’s alleged role in each case. They are also tracing property and weapons that may have passed through the suspected syndicate.
The total value of everything allegedly stolen across the 10 cases has not yet been disclosed.
Earlier arrests helped detectives close in
The latest arrests follow the apprehension of two other alleged accomplices during separate police operations in September and October.
Their arrests may have provided detectives with information that helped them track the wider group’s movements and activities.
Police have not disclosed whether additional suspects remain at large. However, investigations into the armed robbery cases are continuing.
The suspected group is accused of targeting homes and confronting occupants before escaping with money and valuable property.
Such robberies have caused growing anxiety in Harare’s residential areas, particularly where criminals appear to monitor households before striking.
Residents have increasingly invested in stronger gates, alarm systems, security guards and surveillance cameras. However, determined armed groups continue to target homes and businesses.
Police intensify action against violent crime
The Chitungwiza arrests come as police intensify operations against armed robbery syndicates across Zimbabwe.
In recent months, several police operations have ended in exchanges of gunfire after suspects allegedly resisted arrest or attempted to attack officers.
Police have repeatedly warned armed criminals against confronting detectives during lawful operations.
At the same time, the latest case highlights the importance of public information in helping investigators locate suspects.
Detectives reportedly acted on a tip-off that Nhira and Maveza were at Jambanja Business Centre. The information allowed officers to conduct a targeted follow-up operation.
Police have encouraged residents to report suspicious activity instead of confronting potentially armed suspects themselves.
Investigation expected to expand
Once medically cleared, the suspects are expected to assist police with investigations before appearing in court.
Investigators will seek to determine how the alleged syndicate selected its targets, obtained firearms and disposed of stolen property.
They may also examine communication records and movements linked to the suspects as they reconstruct the 10 robbery cases.
Meanwhile, the recovered Tokarev pistol could connect the Chitungwiza arrests to the Ashdown Park robbery and potentially other unsolved crimes.
The suspects have not yet been convicted and remain entitled to the presumption of innocence until a court determines their cases.
Members of the public with information about armed robberies or illegally held firearms can contact the police National Complaints Desk or report at their nearest police station.
