A suspect in the Joseph Mutangadura murder case was killed during a police shootout in Gweru. Two other suspects were arrested, while another remains on the run. Police recovered firearms and linked one suspect to additional armed robbery cases.
One of the suspects linked to the murder of businessman Joseph Mutangadura has been shot and killed during a police shootout in Gweru, while two other suspects have been arrested in connection with the case.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirmed that Valentine Mutasa, 34, died after sustaining injuries during the exchange of gunfire with detectives. Two other suspects, Solomon Wisdom Tarire, 28, and Samuel Munyunguma, 55, were arrested following the incident.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the developments in a statement, saying the operation followed a tip-off received by detectives from the Criminal Investigation Department Homicide unit.
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According to police, detectives tracked the suspects to a service station in the Claremount area of Gweru on March 19, 2026. When officers approached the suspects, a shootout broke out after the suspects reportedly opened fire.
During the exchange, both Tarire and Mutasa were injured. Police said the suspects were taken to hospital for treatment, where Mutasa was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Commissioner Nyathi said another suspect, identified as Obedience Mutasa, managed to escape during the incident and remains at large. Police have not provided further details on his whereabouts.
Officers at the scene recovered two firearms, including a 9mm Canik pistol loaded with two live rounds and an Ekol 9mm blank pistol containing two blank cartridges. The recovery of the weapons is now part of the ongoing investigation.
Further investigations by police revealed that one of the recovered firearms had been stolen in Mberengwa in September 2025. Authorities said this discovery is assisting with ongoing inquiries into other related criminal cases.
Police also confirmed that Samuel Munyunguma is facing two additional armed robbery cases that occurred in Zvishavane and Mberengwa. These cases are now being handled as part of the broader investigation.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police said investigations into the murder of Joseph Mutangadura are continuing, as officers work to locate the remaining suspect and gather more information linked to the case.
