Nine arrested in Joseph Mutangadura murder probe as police shootout in Gweru leaves one dead

Firearms and army combat equipment were recovered during the police operation

HARARE, ZIMBABWE – Police have intensified investigations into the murder of prominent businessman Joseph Mutangadura, with the arrest of two additional suspects bringing the total number in custody to nine.

The latest suspects, Solomon Wisdom Tariro (28) and Samuel Munyunguma (51), were arrested in Gweru following a confrontation with detectives that escalated into a shootout. During the operation, an alleged accomplice, Valentine Mutasa (34), was fatally injured and later died in hospital. Another suspect, Obedience Mutasa, is still on the run.

According to national police spokesperson Paul Nyathi, the arrests followed a tip-off that led Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Homicide detectives to track the suspects to a service station in Claremont.

“The suspects opened fire upon being confronted by police, prompting detectives to return fire,” Nyathi said.

Police recovered a 9mm Canik pistol loaded with live ammunition and an Ekol 9mm blank pistol with blank cartridges at the scene, which are now being examined as part of the investigation.

Authorities say the latest arrests mark a significant breakthrough in the investigation into Mutangadura’s killing, which occurred on 17 August 2025 at his farm in Ruwa. Police indicated that all suspects linked to the case have now been identified and accounted for, although operations are ongoing to apprehend the remaining fugitive. Security analysts say the developments suggest coordinated police efforts to dismantle what may have been a network involved in the killing.

“This level of follow-up indicates a structured investigation, likely involving intelligence gathering and inter-city coordination,” said a Harare-based security expert.

While arrests have been made, police say investigations are continuing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the murder, including motive and any possible wider criminal links.

The case has drawn significant public attention due to Mutangadura’s prominence in business circles and the violent nature of the crime.

Police have appealed to members of the public with information that may assist in locating the remaining suspect to come forward.

“We urge anyone with information on the whereabouts of the outstanding suspect to report to their nearest police station,” Nyathi said.

The incident highlights the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s ongoing efforts to tackle violent crime and bring perpetrators to justice, particularly in high-profile cases. However, it also underscores the risks faced by law enforcement officers during armed operations.

Joseph Mutangadura murder