Bulawayo – Three suspects arrested in connection with the murder of Sergeant Abel Masava are now facing a staggering 50 armed robbery charges, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has revealed. The revelation exposes the extent of a crime spree that terrorised Bulawayo and surrounding areas, leaving businesses and residents in fear.
Police National Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the details in a statement on Monday, outlining the scale of the suspects’ alleged criminal activities.
“Reference is made to the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s press statements released on March 28 and April 2 regarding the fatal shooting of a police officer, Sergeant Abel Masava, in Bulawayo and the subsequent arrest of Albert Munangati aged 26, Clifford Desmond Nare aged 33 and Thabo Dube aged 24 in connection with the murder case,” he said.
The suspects are not only implicated in the murder of Sergeant Masava, who was allegedly gunned down at a crime scene in Tshabalala, Bulawayo, but also linked to a widespread network of armed robberies.
“The suspects are being linked to 25 armed robbery cases that occurred between March 12, 2024, and March 28, 2025, in and around Bulawayo,” Comm Nyathi stated.
The robbery spree included high-profile incidents, one of which occurred on 10 April 2024, when the suspects armed with pistols, knives and wooden sticks stole USD 2,704 at Fundisi Mine in Umguza.
“In total, the suspects are facing charges of 50 armed robbery cases, including a case that occurred on April 10, 2024, at Fundisi Mine in Umuguza where US$2 704 was stolen after the complainant had been attacked by the suspects who were armed with pistols, knives and wooden sticks,” said Comm Nyathi.
Another notable case occurred at a Cowdray Park fuel service station. “They are also linked to another robbery case which occurred on 15 March 2025 at a fuel service station in Cowdray Park, Bulawayo where ZAR 186 000 00 was stolen,” said Comm Nyathi.
The arrest of Munangati, Nare, and Dube followed a dramatic shootout with police detectives along Harrow Street in Sauerstown, Bulawayo, during which two of their accomplices, Sipho Ncube (24) and Dumisani Ndlovu (32), were fatally shot. The pair succumbed to gunshot wounds upon admission to United Bulawayo Hospitals.
The trio appeared at Western Commonage Magistrates Court on Saturday, where they were remanded in custody to 17 April and advised to apply for bail at the High Court.
The police are urging the public to continue assisting law enforcement by reporting information through the National Complaints Desk at (0242) 703631 or via WhatsApp at 0712 800 197.
“In total, the suspects are clearing 50 armed robbery cases, including a case which occurred on 10 April 2024 at Fundisi Mine, Umuguza where USD2 704. 00 cash was stolen after the complainant had been attacked by the suspects who were armed with pistols, knives and wooden sticks,” said Comm Nyathi.
The unravelling of this criminal network brings a sense of relief to Bulawayo residents, who have been living under the shadow of increasing armed robberies. The police are continuing their investigations to determine if the suspects were working alone or as part of a larger criminal organisation.
