Three suspected armed robbers have been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of Sergeant Abel Masava in Sizinda, Bulawayo, on March 28. Two additional suspects were shot and killed by detectives during an attempted escape, which led to a shootout.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrests in a statement released on Wednesday, April 2. The statement reads:
ARREST OF THREE SUSPECTS FOR MURDER OF A POLICE OFFICER AND ARMED ROBBERY CASES IN BULAWAYO
Reference is made to the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s press statement released on 28th March 2025 regarding the shooting of a police officer, Sergeant Abel Masava, in Sizinda, Bulawayo at 0030 hours.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of Mandlenkosi Albert Munangati (26), Clifford Desmond Nare (33), and Thabo Dube (24) in connection with the murder case. The firearm used to kill the police officer has been recovered from the robbers.
The suspects are also linked to a spate of armed robbery cases in Bulawayo which occurred between 22nd April 2024 and 28th March 2025.
On 30th March 2025, detectives received information which linked a Honda Fit vehicle, registration number AGG 8380, to the murder case and a spate of armed robbery cases in Bulawayo.
The detectives tracked the vehicle leading to the arrest of Mandlenkosi Albert Munangati.
The suspect implicated the other suspects leading to their arrest and recovery of five firearms: National Browning pistol, Blow F92 Blank pellet gun, Long Rifle 12GA 76/3 inch long, Vizor Pistol, shot gun, and a sword.
Two other suspects, Sipho Ncube (24) and Dumisani Ndlovu (32), tried to escape resulting in a shootout with detectives along Harrow Street, Sauctown, Bulawayo. The two suspects died upon admission at the United Bulawayo Hospitals.
The suspects are being linked to 25 cases of armed robbery, including a case which occurred at a supermarket in New Luveve on 28th December 2024, where cash and three cellphones were stolen, and another robbery case that occurred at a funeral parlour in Kelvin North, Bulawayo on 10th February 2025, where USD 3,608.00 and ZAR 21,130.00 cash and a cell phone were stolen.
The suspects are also connected to a robbery at a service station at the corner of Nketa Drive and Rangemore Road on 02nd March 2025, where a shotgun and a cellphone were stolen.
Investigations have revealed that the suspects were targeting service stations (fuel), liquor outlets, supermarkets, funeral parlours, and gas operators.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police applauds the public for providing positive information which led to the arrest of the suspects.
The public is urged to continue providing information on the National Complaints Desk at (0242) 703631 or via WhatsApp at 0712 800 197, or report to any nearest Police Station.
The Police reiterates that there is no going back in the fight against robbery syndicates in the country. The law will take its course without fear or favour.
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