Four robbers fatally shot in a shootout with police in Warren Park, Harare

Freeman Razemba-Senior Reporter

Four suspected armed robbers were shot dead while two of their accomplices were arrested following a shootout in Warren Park 1 in Harare.

Those arrested are Nelson Chitima (28), Edson Guvira (38) and the deceased are

Mike Manyima (37), Office Chanakira (38) and two others, only identified as Atenzi and Chris.

In a statement national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said, “The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of Nelson Chitima (28), Edson Guvira (38) and the subsequent death of Mike Manyima (37), Office Chanakira (38) and two other suspects only identified as Atenzi and Chris following a shootout with the police in Warren Park, Harare on March 30, 2026 in connection with a series of armed robbery cases which occurred in and around Harare during February and March 2026,” he said.

He said on March 30, 2026, detectives from CID Homicide Harare acted on received information and arrested Nelson Chitima at his residence in Glen View 7 Extension, Harare.

“The suspect implicated Edson Guvira, Mike Manyima, Office Chanakira, Atenzi and Chris as his accomplices,” he said.

“The suspect’s arrest led to the recovery of a Nissan NV350 vehicle registration number AGO 3840, which they used as a getaway car, a white balaclava, two pairs of gloves and an assortment of liquor.

“Nelson Chitima assisted the detectives in luring Edson Guvia to Mhishi Shopping Centre, Harare. Upon noticing the detectives, the suspect fled, leading the detectives to fire warning shots, but he did not stop. Resultantly, the suspect was shot in the leg, leading to his arrest.” Further investigations, he said led the detectives to Warren Park 1 Shopping Centre, Harare, where they observed Mike Manyima, Office Chanakira, Atenzi, and Chris arriving in a Toyota Passo vehicle, while planning for another robbery.

“They waited for the arrival of the other two suspects. The police identified themselves and ordered the suspects to surrender,” he said.

“The suspects fired shots at the officers. A shootout ensued, leading to the subsequent shooting of the four suspects. These suspects were taken to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, Harare, where they were pronounced dead upon admission.

“The detectives searched the suspects’ getaway car and recovered a .70 Vozol pistol with a magazine of three rounds, a .38 Rossi revolver loaded with one round, a Supercat 1911 pellet gun, 35 X 9mm live rounds, eight emulates, four fuses, one paper spray, a balaclava, four cellphones and two national identity cards belonging to Mike Manyima and Office Chanakira.”

He said the detectives also managed to recover three vehicles, a Black Toyota Hiace registration number AHI 3060, a purple Toyota Passo registration number AGS 0558 and a red Honda Fit registration number AGG 2485.

Investigations have revealed that the suspects are clearing several armed robbery cases, which include an incident which occurred on February 25 2026, at Kuwadzana 2 Shopping Centre, Harare, where the suspects broke into various shop outlets and stole goods valued at US$500.”

In another case which occurred on February 26, 2026, at Aspindale, Harare, the suspects attacked security guards on duty and stole a .38 Rossi revolver.

On March 25, 2026, the suspects pounced on a liquor store in Glen Norah, Harare and stole various lager beers and whisky valued at US$1 989

Comm Nyathi said, “The Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that there is no going back in the fight against armed robbery cases in the country.

“In this regard, the Police will decisively respond appropriately to any form of violent confrontation by armed robbery gangs.”