A dramatic shootout in Domboshava, a small town located just outside Harare, has left one armed robbery suspect dead. The incident, which unfolded on Friday, saw detectives from the police CID homicide department engage in a fierce exchange of gunfire with the suspect, Raymond Mugabe, 39, before he was fatally wounded.
Mugabe, who was wanted in connection with a string of armed robberies that plagued Harare between May and July, met his demise after resisting arrest. He succumbed to gunshot wounds at Parirenyatwa Hospital in Harare, where he had been rushed following the confrontation.
Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the grim details on Sunday, adding that the operation had also led to the arrests of two accomplices, Kenneth Chiputura, 50, and Jaison Munyapa, 18.
“Raymond Mugabe, who was implicated in the robberies, was shot by the detectives during a shootout as the suspect exchanged gunshots with detectives while hiding in a house at Dzorwa Village, Chinamhora, Domboshava,” Nyathi said.
The shootout, which unfolded in the quiet village of Dzorwa, sent tremors of fear through the community. Residents described the scene as chaotic, with the sound of gunfire echoing through the usually peaceful neighbourhood.
The arrest of Chiputura on 26 July at his home in Nhamburo Village, Chinamhora, Domboshava, marked a turning point in the investigation. Police had received information linking him to the robberies, and a search of his residence yielded a bullet-proof vest and 40 Chinese Yuan.
The following day, Munyapa was apprehended and found in possession of a CZ 75 SP-01 pistol, a Retay air gun, and an empty bottle of champagne.
“A CZ P-07 pistol, an empty bottle of wine, 0.44 Magnum revolver, a Grand Power 9mm pistol with an empty magazine, 8 X 9mmm magazines, 1 000 X 9mm live rounds, 28 X 303 live rounds and 9 x Magnum rounds were recovered at the scene,” Nyathi stated.
The trio has been linked to two armed robbery cases, including one that occurred on 31 May 2024 at a house along Ruwanga Road, Mandara, Harare, where US$15 000.00 cash, four firearms, and jewellery were stolen. Another robbery case, which occurred on 23 July 2024 at a house along Duiker Street, Mandara, Harare, saw US$1 000.00 cash and valuables worth US$1 000.00 being stolen.
“Investigations are in progress to arrest the outstanding suspects only identified as Blessing and Mavhunga as well as recover stolen property and identify additional cases linked to the suspects,” Nyathi added.
The incident has also sparked a debate about the use of lethal force by police. Some argue that the police acted in self-defence, while others believe that the shooting was unnecessary and could have been avoided.
The police have defended their actions, stating that Mugabe posed a serious threat to their officers.
