Bulawayo – In a significant breakthrough, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) have apprehended three suspects in connection with the brutal murder of Sergeant Abel Masava, who was fatally shot last Friday in Sizinda, Bulawayo, while attending to a domestic violence call.
The late Sgt Masava, a dedicated officer stationed at ZRP Tshabalala, was shot in the head in the early hours of Friday, March 28, 2025, and died while being rushed to hospital. The incident occurred after he and a colleague responded to a domestic violence complaint in the Sizinda suburb.
National police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, confirmed the arrest of Mandlenkosi Albert Munangati (26), Clifford Desmond Nare (33) and Thabo Dube (24) in connection with the murder case. He also announced the recovery of the firearm used to kill the police officer.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of Mandlenkosi Albert Munangati (26), Clifford Desmond Nare (33) and Thabo Dube (24) in connection with the murder case. The firearm used to kill the police officer has been recovered from the robbers,” said Comm Nyathi.
Acting on his instincts, Sergeant Masava stopped the men, requesting identification and inquiring about their movements. In a brazen act of violence, one of the men produced a firearm and shot Sergeant Masava in the head. He collapsed, and the suspects immediately fled the scene, disappearing into the darkness.
Two other suspects, Sipho Ncube (24) and Dumisani Ndlovu (32), attempted to evade arrest, resulting in a dramatic shootout with detectives along Harrow Street, Sauerstown, Bulawayo. Tragically, both Ncube and Ndlovu succumbed to their injuries and were pronounced dead upon admission at United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH).
The swift response to the shooting involved officers from ZRP Tshabalala, the Dog Section, and the Criminal Investigation Department’s Homicide Unit, who were immediately dispatched to the scene. They found Sergeant Masava lying on the ground outside the gate of the house where they had intended to assist the caller. He was still breathing at the time, but sadly, he was pronounced dead on arrival at UBH.
The arrest of the suspects and the recovery of the murder weapon represent a significant step forward in the investigation.
Comm Nyathi revealed that the suspects are also linked to a string of armed robbery cases in Bulawayo, spanning from April 22, 2024, to March 28, 2025.
“The suspects are also linked to a spate of armed robbery cases in Bulawayo which occurred between 22 April 2024 and 28 March 2025. On 30 March 2025 detectives received information which linked a Honda Fit vehicle, registration number AGG 8380 to the murder case and a spate of armed robbery cases in Bulawayo,” said Comm Nyathi.
Detectives tracked the vehicle, leading to the initial arrest of Mandlenkosi Albert Munangati. Munangati then implicated the other suspects, leading to their arrest and the recovery of a cache of weapons.
“The detectives tracked the vehicle leading to the arrest of Mandlenkosi Albert Munangati. The suspect implicated the other suspects leading to their arrest and recovery of five firearms, National Browning pistol, Blow F92 Blank pellet gun, Long Rifle 12GA 76/3 inch long, Vizor Pistol, shotgun and a sword,” said Comm Nyathi.
The suspects are now being linked to at least 25 cases of armed robbery, including a high-profile robbery at a supermarket in New Luveve on December 28, 2024, where cash and three cellphones were stolen, and another robbery at a funeral parlour in Kelvin North, Bulawayo, on February 10, 2025, where US$3 608 and ZAR 21 130 cash and a cell phone were taken.
“The suspects are being linked to 25 cases of armed robbery including a case which occurred at a supermarket in New Luveve on 28 December 2024, where cash and three cellphones were stolen and another robbery case which occurred at a funeral parlour in Kelvin North, Bulawayo on 10 February 2025 where US$3 608 and ZAR 21 130 cash and a cell phone were stolen,” reads the statement.
Furthermore, the suspects are also believed to be responsible for a robbery at a service station at the corner of Nketa Drive and Rangemore Road on March 2, 2025, where a shotgun and a cellphone were stolen. Investigations have revealed that the suspects were specifically targeting service stations (fuel), liquor outlets, supermarkets, funeral parlours, and gas operators.
“The suspects are also clearing a case of robbery which occurred at a service station at corner Nketa Drive and Rangemore Road on 02 March 2025 where a shotgun and a cellphone were stolen. Investigations have revealed that the suspects were targeting service stations (fuel), liquor outlets, supermarkets, funeral parlous and gas operators,” reads the statement.
Comm Nyathi expressed his gratitude to members of the public for providing crucial information that led to the arrest of the suspects.
Residents of Sizinda had previously expressed their fear and insecurity following the shooting. One resident, who declined to be named, said, “It happened in the dead of the night. We heard a loud crack like a gunshot, followed by the sound of people running. We didn’t dare come out to see what was happening because we were terrified. We only noticed later a heavy police presence and knew something serious had occurred. In the morning, we saw blood near the gate of the house where the incident took place,” highlighting the fear and insecurity that has gripped the community.
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