Online Reporter
Victor Maphosa and Freeman Razemba
POLICE have launched a nationwide manhunt for a gang of suspected armed robbers who shot and killed prominent businessman Mr Joseph Mutangadura at his Lisheen Estate farmhouse in Ruwa.
Preliminary investigations indicate that seven masked men, armed with pistols, claw bars and hammers, stormed the property at around 11pm on Sunday.
They overpowered the security guard, tied his hands with shoelaces and forced him into the house where they used metal bars to break down a door leading to the main bedroom.
Mr Mutangadura (67), popularly known as Mutangaz, was shot in the stomach as he lay in bed with his wife.
The gang ransacked the house before fleeing.
Both Mr Mutangadura and his wife were found unconscious and rushed to Eden Hospital in Windsor, Ruwa, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
His wife is receiving treatment.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident, saying detectives from the CID Homicide section in Harare had been deployed to lead investigations.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police is investigating cases of murder and robbery which occurred at a farm along Dustain Road, Ruwa, on August 17, 2025, at around 23:00 hours where a businessman, Mutangadura Joseph, aged 67, was shot dead during a suspected robbery incident,” said Comm Nyathi.
“Seven unknown suspects, armed with unidentified pistols, claw bars and hammers, while covering their faces with balaclavas, pounced on the business premises where they attacked the security guard who was securing the premises.
“They tied his hands with shoe laces and took him to the victim’s house, where they broke into the house through the door, using metal bars.”
The suspects also forced the security guard and the victim’s son to lie down in the dining room as they continued their raid.
“The suspects shot the victim in the stomach and ransacked the house before leaving.”
Police said the exact details and value of the stolen property were still being verified.
Mr Mutangadura was a well-known businessman in Ruwa, owning several ventures including Mutangaz Hideout, Mutangaz Panyama and Lisheen Estate.
Speaking at the family home, his son, Mr Munyaradzi Mutangadura, described the incident as a devastating blow.
“I was informed about the shooting in the middle of the night and rushed here,” he said.
“We immediately carried him to my car and drove to the hospital, but it was too late.
“We have lost our pillar of strength, someone who loved people dearly and cared for many in the community. It is a huge loss to us and the community at large”.
Hundreds of mourners gathered at the Mutangadura homestead yesterday to pay their respects.
Harare lawyer Mr Obert Gutu also paid tribute, describing the late businessman as a hardworking entrepreneur and community leader.
Writing on Facebook, he recalled being hosted by Mr Mutangadura at his farm recently.
“Personally, I feel absolutely heartbroken by the tragic and untimely death of this business luminary, a man with a discerning business acumen, brilliant focus and amazing attention to detail.”
Police have appealed for information that may assist in tracking down the suspects.
