By Everisto Zhuwao
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has arrested two armed robbery suspects and fatally shot four others following a violent confrontation in Warren Park, Harare, on March 30, 2026. The high-stakes operation ended a month-long crime spree that targeted various businesses and residents across the capital throughout February and March.
The crackdown began when detectives from CID Homicide tracked down 28-year-old Nelson Chitima at his home in Glenview 7 Extension. Upon his arrest, Chitima provided crucial information that led police to his accomplices and the recovery of a Nissan NV350 getaway vehicle. He later assisted officers in luring 38-year-old Edson Guvira to Mhishi Shopping Centre, where Guvira was shot in the leg while attempting to flee from authorities.
The investigation then moved to Warren Park 1 Shopping Centre, where detectives spotted the remaining gang members in a Toyota Passo. When ordered to surrender, the suspects opened fire on police, triggering a fierce shootout. Mike Manyima, Office Chanakira, and two other suspects identified only as Atenzi and Chris were shot during the exchange and were later pronounced dead at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals.
During a search of the suspects’ vehicles, police recovered a cache of weapons, including a .70 Vozol pistol, a .38 Rossi revolver, and a Supercat 111 pellet gun. Officers also seized three stolen vehicles—a black Toyota Hiace, a purple Toyota Passo, and a red Honda Fit—along with various identity cards and burglary tools.
The gang was linked to several major crimes, including a February 25 robbery at Kuwadzana 2 Shopping Centre and a March 25 raid on a Glen Norah liquor store, where goods valued at nearly $2,000 were stolen. National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the ZRP remains committed to decisively eliminating armed robbery gangs and warned that officers will continue to respond firmly to any violent confrontation.
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