ZRP Launches Manhunt For Three “Drug Lords” Who Used Pit Bulls, CCTV And Explosives To Evade Arrest

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has launched a public appeal for information to help track down three men described as “highly wanted drug lords” believed to be running sophisticated drug syndicates in Harare.

In a statement issued on 10 May, police named the suspects as Nomore “Nomara” Chabata, 47, Joymore Chihwai, 41, and Leon Mambohaatumwi, 35. The three are accused of operating syndicated drug bases in Mufakose, Marimba and Mabvuku.

According to initial police investigations, the suspects used fortified houses with high durawalls, electric fences, CCTV cameras and vicious dogs, including pit bulls, to conceal their operations and evade raids. The security measures were designed to keep law enforcement at bay.

ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the discovery of explosives among seized contraband points to possible links between the suspects and armed robberies involving the blowing up of safes.

“It is disturbing to note that the recovery of explosives in the contraband shows that the drug lords are linked to crimes such as armed robbery,” Commissioner Nyathi said.

The ZRP has not disclosed when or where the explosives were recovered but said detailed information would be released “in due course”.

Members of the public with information on the whereabouts of Chabata, Chihwai or Mambohaatumwi are urged to contact Police General Headquarters in Harare on 700171-9 or report to their nearest police station.

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