Two armed robbery suspects arrested in Domboshava; third suspect dies in shootout

ZIMSPHERE 

HARARE – The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed the arrest of two suspects in connection with a series of armed robberies in Harare, while a third suspect died following a shootout with detectives in Domboshava.

Commissioner Paul Nyathi 

The suspects, Kenneth Chiputura (50) and Jaison Munyapa (18), were apprehended after a series of robberies that occurred between May 31, 2024, and July 23, 2024. 

Raymond Mugabe (39), the third suspect, succumbed to injuries at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals after exchanging gunfire with detectives.

In a statement, police national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi detailed the events leading up to the arrests. On July 26, 2024, detectives from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Homicide in Harare arrested Chiputura at his residence in Nhamburo Village, Chinamhora, Domboshava. 

The arrest followed a tip-off linking him to the robberies, and authorities recovered a bulletproof vest and 40 Chinese Yuan during the operation.

"Further investigations led to the arrest of Jaison Munyapa on July 27, 2024," Nyathi stated. "He was found in possession of a CZ 75 SP-01 pistol, a Retay air gun, and an empty bottle of champagne."

Raymond Mugabe, who was implicated in the robberies, was shot by detectives during a shootout while he was hiding in a house at Dzorwa Village, Chinamhora, Domboshava. 

At the scene, authorities recovered a CZ P-07 pistol, an empty bottle of wine, a 0.44 Magnum revolver, a Grand Power 9mm pistol with an empty magazine, eight 9mm magazines, 1,000 9mm live rounds, 28 .303 live rounds, and nine Magnum rounds.

Nyathi outlined the robberies linked to the trio, including one on May 31, 2024, at a house along Ruwanga Road, Mandara, Harare, where US$15,000 in cash, four firearms, and jewelry were stolen. 

Another robbery occurred on July 23, 2024, at a house along Duiker Street, Mandara, Harare, where US$1,000 in cash and valuables worth US$1,000 were taken.

"Investigations are ongoing to apprehend the outstanding suspects, only identified as Blessing and Mavhunga, to recover stolen property and identify additional cases linked to the suspects," Nyathi said.

The ZRP commended the public for providing information that led to the arrests and urged anyone with information on criminal activities to contact the National Complaints Desk at (0242) 703631, WhatsApp 0712 800 197, or report to any nearest police station.