Staff Writer
HARARE — Two suspected armed robbers were shot dead in separate confrontations with police in Matabeleland North and Harare on October 6, as the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) vowed to intensify its fight against armed robbery.
In a statement issued on October 8, ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the police remained determined to combat armed robbery and warned suspects against attacking officers on duty.
“There is no going back in the fight against armed robbery cases in the country,” Nyathi said.
In the first incident, Richmond Thomas Ndlovu was shot near Kenilworth Turn-Off along the Bulawayo-Nkayi Road after he allegedly attempted to disarm police officers at a secluded location.
According to police, Ndlovu was shot in the leg and stomach and died while being taken to hospital.
Officers recovered a Star pistol loaded with seven rounds of ammunition and a Colombian knife.
The shooting followed the recovery of three pistols at Ndlovu’s residence in Exchange Village, Inyathi, on October 5. Police said his wife, Tryphine Phuti, 29, had allegedly fled their home after he threatened to kill her.
Police linked Ndlovu to four cases of murder and robbery committed between June 5 and September 27, 2026, in and around Inyathi.
The cases included a murder and robbery at a service station at Mahamba Business Centre, Inyathi, where a security guard was killed, and a robbery at a supermarket at Badala Business Centre, where US$18,000 in cash was reportedly stolen.
In a separate incident in Harare, armed robbery suspect Cosmas Mashavira, 30, was shot at the corner of Rosemary Drive and Beatrice Road following an exchange of gunfire with detectives.
Police recovered a 9mm Retay pistol containing one round in its magazine.
Mashavira died upon arrival at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital.
Nyathi said the incident followed the arrest of three alleged accomplices — Shame Mwedzi, 44, Leonard Chamboko, 45, and Vincent Magadhi, 50 — in connection with a series of robberies in Harare and Chitungwiza.
The robberies reportedly involved the theft of US$1,900 in cash and various valuables.
The ZRP urged members of the public to continue providing information that could assist in identifying suspected criminals and recovering illegal firearms.
Nyathi also warned criminals against attacking or attempting to disarm police officers while they are on duty.
Members of the public can report information through the ZRP National Complaints Desk on (0242) 703631, via WhatsApp on 0712 800107, or at any nearest police station.