Online Reporter
Senior Reporter
Four suspected armed robbers, including two foreigners, were shot dead following a high-speed chase and an intense exchange of gunfire with police along the Harare-Bulawayo Road near the Norton Tollgate.
The incident, which occurred on Thursday last week, left two detectives from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Homicide Unit seriously injured.
According to a police statement, the shoot-out was the culmination of an operation targeting a suspected cross-border robbery syndicate that had entered Zimbabwe from South Africa.
The group was allegedly responsible for a series of robberies targeting businesses and individuals in Bulawayo, Harare, and Kwekwe.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms a serious shooting incident and exchange of fire between CID Homicide detectives and armed robbery suspects in Norton on October 3, 2025,” said police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi.
The confrontation erupted after detectives, acting on a tip-off, located and began following the suspects’ vehicle. The suspects reportedly initiated the firefight.
“As the detectives were following, the suspects fired at them, resulting in a serious exchange of fire near Norton Tollgate,” Commissioner Nyathi stated.
Police have impounded the suspects’ silver Toyota Axio.
Inside the vehicle, investigators recovered crucial evidence, including two pistols: a Girsan 9mm Parabellum with two rounds, and another 9mm pistol with a single round.
A pair of grey army green Relay shoes and a navy blue jacket branded “Grey Wolf” were also recovered.
This evidence provided a direct link to previous crimes.
Police revealed that one of the deceased suspects was captured on CCTV footage during an armed robbery at a Harare hospital on September 30, wearing the same shoes and jacket.
In that incident, US$1 833 in cash and airtime worth US$140 were stolen.
The syndicate is now believed to be behind at least five other major robbery cases committed between June 25 and October 3 this year.
One of these includes a robbery in Njube, Bulawayo, where US$8 000 and an iPhone were stolen.
Commissioner Nyathi confirmed that the two injured detectives are currently receiving treatment at a local hospital.
He reaffirmed the police force’s unwavering stance against organised crime.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that there is no going back in the fight against armed robbery cases in the country.
“All syndicates, whether locally or foreign-based, will be decisively dealt with in line with the country’s laws,” he said.
The police have urged members of the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity or criminal behaviour to the authorities.
