Four suspected robbers were shot dead and two arrested after a police shootout in Warren Park, Harare. The operation followed investigations into multiple armed robbery cases across the city. Police recovered weapons, vehicles, and other evidence linked to the suspects’ activities.
Four suspected armed robbers were shot dead while two others were arrested following a shootout with police in Warren Park 1, Harare, on March 30, 2026, in an operation linked to a series of armed robbery cases in the city.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirmed the incident and identified the arrested suspects as Nelson Chitima (28) and Edson Guvira (38). The deceased were named as Mike Manyima (37), Office Chanakira (38), and two others identified only as Atenzi and Chris. The operation was conducted by detectives from CID Homicide Harare.
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In a statement, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the arrests and fatalities followed investigations into multiple armed robbery incidents that occurred in and around Harare during February and March 2026. He stated that the police had been tracking the suspects as part of ongoing efforts to curb crime in the city.
According to Commissioner Nyathi, detectives first arrested Nelson Chitima at his residence in Glen View 7 Extension after acting on received information. Following his arrest, Chitima implicated his accomplices, leading to further operations by the police.
“The suspect implicated Edson Guvira, Mike Manyima, Office Chanakira, Atenzi and Chris as his accomplices,” said Commissioner Nyathi. He added that the arrest led to the recovery of a Nissan NV350 vehicle, which was allegedly used as a getaway car, along with a white balaclava, gloves, and an assortment of liquor.
Police later used Chitima to lure Edson Guvira to Mhishi Shopping Centre in Harare. Upon noticing the detectives, Guvira attempted to flee. Detectives fired warning shots, but he continued running, resulting in him being shot in the leg and subsequently arrested.
Further investigations led detectives to Warren Park 1 Shopping Centre, where they observed the remaining suspects arriving in a Toyota Passo vehicle. Police indicated that the suspects were planning another robbery and were waiting for additional accomplices at the time.
Commissioner Nyathi said detectives identified themselves and ordered the suspects to surrender. “The suspects fired shots at the officers. A shootout ensued, leading to the subsequent shooting of the four suspects,” he said. The injured suspects were taken to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, where they were pronounced dead upon admission.
A search of the suspects’ vehicle led to the recovery of firearms and other items. These included a .70 Vozol pistol with a magazine of three rounds, a .38 Rossi revolver loaded with one round, a Supercat 1911 pellet gun, 35 rounds of 9mm ammunition, eight emulates, four fuses, one paper spray, a balaclava, four cellphones, and two national identity cards belonging to Mike Manyima and Office Chanakira.
Police also recovered three vehicles believed to have been used by the suspects. These were a black Toyota Hiace, a purple Toyota Passo, and a red Honda Fit. Authorities said the vehicles were linked to several robbery incidents under investigation.
Investigations have revealed that the suspects were connected to multiple armed robbery cases. These include an incident on February 25, 2026, at Kuwadzana 2 Shopping Centre, where shops were broken into and goods valued at US$500 were stolen.
In another case on February 26, 2026, in Aspindale, the suspects reportedly attacked security guards on duty and stole a .38 Rossi revolver. On March 25, 2026, the suspects also targeted a liquor store in Glen Norah, stealing lager beers and whisky valued at US$1,989.
Commissioner Nyathi said the police remain committed to tackling armed robbery cases. “The Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that there is no going back in the fight against armed robbery cases in the country,” he said. He added that police will respond decisively to any violent confrontation involving armed robbery gangs.
