Online Reporter
Mthokozisi Ncube
POLICE have arrested a 28-year-old suspect in connection with a string of armed robberies committed in Bulawayo’s Mahatshula suburb, marking a major breakthrough in investigations into violent attacks that have left residents living in fear.
The arrest comes amid growing concern over a wave of violent night-time robberies across Bulawayo’s suburbs. These include Luveve’s infamous “Night of Long Knives” robbery spree on 17 April 2026, where a gang of armed suspects allegedly stormed Masina Beerhall and nearby shops in Gwabalanda, stealing cash, groceries, and money from gaming machines while assaulting residents who attempted to intervene.
Similar robberies were also reported in Buena Vista and Manningdale, where armed gangs allegedly targeted several homes in coordinated overnight raids, robbing families of cash and valuables while threatening victims with weapons.
Confirming the arrest, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said Joseph Phiri (28) was arrested in connection with armed robbery cases committed in Mahatshula between 15 December 2025 and 13 May 2026.
Commissioner Nyathi said Phiri initially teamed up with Challenge Lucky Neta (38), Trust Adam Mvubundi (35), and Wellington Nyakurima, also known as Dombadomba (33), to allegedly commit seven robberies while armed with pistols, knives, and sjamboks. Those three suspects were later arrested and remanded in custody at Khami Prison.
“Investigations revealed that after the arrest of his accomplices, the suspect formed another syndicate and committed two more robberies in Mahatshula East with Pauros Hadebe (alias Mengezi), Oscar Ndlovu (alias Mao), and Jomo Chomu,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
He added that one of the incidents gained widespread attention after a video went viral on social media showing a suspect wearing a maroon and grey bucket hat and a grey jacket attempting to break into a house.
Commissioner Nyathi appealed to members of the public with information that could lead to the arrest of the outstanding suspects to contact the National Complaints Desk on (0242) 703631, reach out via WhatsApp on 0712 800 197, or report to their nearest police station.
