Online Reporter
Police in Harare have confirmed the arrest of two armed robbery suspects and the fatal shooting of five others following a shootout in Warren Park, Harare.
Police said the suspects were linked to a series of armed robbery cases recorded in and around Harare between February and March this year.
In a statement, ZRP national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said Nelson Chitima (28) and Edson Guvira (38) were arrested, while Mike Manyima (37), Office Chanakira (38), and two others identified only as Atenzi and Chris died following the exchange of gunfire with police.
“Detectives from CID Homicide Harare acted on received information and arrested Nelson Chitima at his residence in Glenview 7 Extension,” he said.
Chitima implicated his accomplices, leading to the recovery of a Nissan NV350 vehicle allegedly used as a getaway car, along with a white balaclava, gloves and assorted liquor.
Police later lured Guvira to Mhishi Shopping Centre in Harare, where he attempted to flee upon noticing detectives.
“Detectives fired warning shots but he did not stop. Resultantly, the suspect was shot on the leg leading to his arrest,” Commissioner Nyathi said.
Further investigations led officers to Warren Park 1 Shopping Centre, where four suspects had reportedly gathered and were allegedly planning another robbery.
“The police identified themselves and ordered the suspects to surrender. The suspects fired shots at the officers. A shootout ensued,” he said.
The four suspects were shot and later pronounced dead upon admission at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals.
A search of the suspects’ vehicle led to the recovery of firearms and ammunition, including a .70 Vozol pistol, a .38 Rossi revolver, a pellet gun, and 35 rounds of 9mm ammunition. Police also recovered explosives, a balaclava, four mobile phones and identity documents.
Three vehicles believed to have been used in the crimes, a Toyota Hiace, Toyota Passo and Honda Fit were also recovered.
Investigations have linked the suspects to several robbery incidents, including a break-in at Kuwadzana 2 Shopping Centre on February 25, where goods worth US$500 were stolen, and an attack on security guards in Aspindale the following day, during which a .38 Rossi revolver was taken.
The group is also suspected of robbing a liquor outlet in Glen Norah on March 25, stealing alcoholic beverages valued at nearly US$2 000.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that there is no going back in the fight against armed robbery cases in the country. In this regard, the Police will decisively respond appropriately to any form of violent confrontation by armed robbery gangs,” Commissioner Nyathi said.
