Police detectives on Friday shot and k!lled an armed robbery suspect in a shootout in Domboshava, just outside Harare, after an exchange of gunfire as he resisted arrest, police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said on Sunday.
The suspect, named Raymond Mugabe, 39, died of gunshot wounds upon admission at Parirenyatwa Hospital in Harare.
Nyathi said detectives from the police CID homicide department arrested Kenneth Chiputura, aged 50, and Jaison Munyapa, 18, in connection with armed robberies which occurred between 31 May and 23 July 2024 in parts of Harare.
Chiputura was arrested on 26 July 2024 at his home in Nhamburo Village, Chinamhora, Domboshava after police received information linking him to the crimes.
He was found with a bullet proof vest and 40 Chinese Yuan.
Munyapa was arrested on 27 July and was found with 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 the detectives during a shootout as the suspect exchanged gunshots with detectives while hiding in a house at Dzorwa Village, Chinamhora, Domboshava,” Nyathi said.
“A CZ P-07 pistol, an empty bottle of wine, 0.44 Magnum revolver, a Grand Power 9mm pistol with an empty magazine, 8 X 9mmm magazines, 1 000 X 9mm live rounds, 28 X 303 live rounds and 9 x Magnum rounds were recovered at the scene.”
Added the police spokesperson, “The trio is linked to two armed robbery cases, including the one which occurred on 31st May 2024 at a house along Ruwanga Road, Mandara, Harare where US$15 000.00 cash, four firearms and jewelry were stolen and another robbery case which occurred on 23rd July 2024 at a house along Duiker Street, Mandara, Harare where US$1 000.00 cash and valuables worth US $1 000.00 were stolen.
“Investigations are in progress to arrest the outstanding suspects only identified as Blessing and Mavhunga as well as recover stolen property and identify additional cases linked to the suspects.”
