Online Reporter
Herald Reporter
POLICE have arrested a 28-year-old man believed to be the ringleader of an armed robbery syndicate linked to a series of violent attacks on residents in Bulawayo’s Mahatshula suburb over the past five months.
The suspect, identified as Joseph Phiri, allegedly led gangs that targeted people at their homes in a spate of armed robbery incidents between December 2025 and May this year.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of Joseph Phiri (28) in connection with cases of armed robbery which occurred in Mahatshula suburb, Bulawayo, from December 15, 2025 to May 13, 2026,” he said.
According to police, Phiri initially teamed up with Challenge Lucky Neta (38), Trust Adam Mubvumbi (35) and Wellington Nyakurima, alias Dombadomba (33), to commit seven armed robbery cases.
The gang allegedly attacked victims at their homes using knives, sjamboks and pistols.
“His three accomplices were later arrested and remanded in custody at Khami Prison,” said Comm Nyathi.
Police said after the arrest of his alleged accomplices, Phiri formed another syndicate which went on to commit two more robbery cases in Mahatshula East.
In the second group, Phiri allegedly worked with Pauros Hadebe, alias Mengezi, Oscar Ndlovu, alias Mao, and Jomo Chomu.
One of the incidents attracted widespread attention after a video circulated on social media showing a suspect wearing a maroon-and-grey bucket hat and a grey jacket attempting to break into a house.
Police believe the suspect captured in the viral footage was Phiri.
Authorities are now appealing to the public for information that may lead to the arrest of the remaining suspects.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police is appealing for information which may lead to the arrest of Pauros Hadebe, Oscar Ndlovu and Jomo Chomu. Anyone with information on their whereabouts should contact the National Complaints Desk on (0242) 703631 or WhatsApp on 0712 800 197, or report at any nearest police station,” Comm Nyathi said.
He said police would continue intensifying operations targeting armed robbery syndicates across the country.
