Police have arrested the suspected mastermind behind a wave of armed robberies that terrorised Mahatshula suburb for nearly five months, after a video of him trying to break into a house went viral on social media.

Joseph Phiri (28) was taken into custody yesterday following an intensive manhunt.

He is accused of orchestrating nine separate armed robberies between 15 December 2025 and 13 May 2026, seven with one gang, then two more with a fresh syndicate after his first set of accomplices were jailed.

National Police Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the breakthrough, describing Phiri’s evolving tactics.

“The suspect initially teamed up with Challenge Lucky Neta (38), Trust Adam Mubvumbi (35) and Wellington Nyakurima alias Dombadomba (33) to commit seven cases of robbery by attacking victims with knives, sjamboks, while armed with pistols.”

Those three accomplices were later arrested and are now remanded at Khami Prison. Undeterred, Phiri formed a new gang.

“He teamed up with Pauros Hadebe alias Mengezi, Oscar Ndlovu alias Mao and Jomo Chomu to attack complainants in Mahatshula East,” said Commissioner Nyathi.

The breakthrough came after a dramatic incident in Mahatshula East where a resident’s camera captured Phiri in action.

“In one of the incidents, a video went viral on social media as the suspect who was wearing a maroon and grey bucket hat and grey jacket tried to break into a house.”

Police are now hunting Phiri’s three latest accomplices who are Pauros Hadebe, Oscar Ndlovu or Jomo Chomu

Ruwa,Zimbabwe – The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed the arrest of Blessed Magagoyi, a 25-year-old male, in connection with the illegal manufacturing of medicines at an unlicensed premise situated in ZIMRE Park, Ruwa.

The apprehension, which occurred on May 14, 2026, marks a significant stride in the ongoing efforts to curb the proliferation of illicit pharmaceutical operations that pose a severe threat to public health and safety.

The decisive police action led to the recovery of a substantial cache of illegal items. Authorities seized medicine manufacturing equipment, a variety of finished medicinal products, including those branded as Honey Bean Medicines, Gut Restore Powered Medicine, Cynocene Medicines, Fotal Harmony, and Cardio Cene Capsule. Additionally, raw materials essential for medicine production and packaging equipment were confiscated. The estimated street value of the recovered items stands at a considerable USD 25,000.00.

Investigations into this matter are actively in progress, with law enforcement agencies diligently working to ascertain the source of the raw materials used in the illicit manufacturing process.

Furthermore, the ZRP is intensifying its search for a second suspect, Tonee Tapiwa Vambe, who is currently being sought in connection with the case. The public is urged to assist in these efforts; anyone possessing information pertinent to this investigation is encouraged to report it to their nearest Police Station.

This collaborative approach between the ZRP and the community is crucial in safeguarding the well-being of all citizens and upholding the integrity of the nation’s healthcare system.

Itai Mazire

In a harrowing wave of violence that has gripped the city of Bulawayo, police are investigating five separate murders, including a brutal spearing, a torture slaying, and a home invasion robbery that turned deadly.

Provincial Spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, revealed the gruesome details, confirming arrests in two cases while launching a manhunt for five suspects in another.

In the most visceral attack, a Pumula South man was stabbed through the chest with a spear following a misunderstanding.

Inspector Msebele confirmed the arrest of Nhlanhla Paulo Moyo, 49, saying the murder occurred on 10 May 2026 at around 1900 hours.

“The accused person then armed himself with a spear and stabbed him once on the left side of the chest with a spear. The deceased fell to the ground and collapsed.”

She noted that a tip-off led to the recovery of the murder weapon.

“Police received a tip off which lead to his arrest and recovery of the spear which was used.”

In a case that has horrified the community, school children discovered the body of a man after he was tortured by a vigilante mob for stealing.

Inspector Msebele stated that the third case occurred on the 09th of May 2026 at around 1400 hours where the deceased was caught stealing.

“The five accused persons started assaulting them with a hammer mill belt, knobkerrie, an electricity cable all over the body and dropping burning plastics on top of their bodies.”

“On 10 May 2026 at around 0900 hours, two female juveniles were playing in a maize field they saw the now deceased lying facing upwards,” she said.

Police arrested Ephraim Banda, 27, after the death of Ntuthuko Ndlovu.

Inspector Msebele said this case occurred on 28 April 2026 at around 0200 hours.

“The now deceased’s friend heard the accused person shouting that he was going to kill the now deceased.” The victim later passed away on 8 May 2026.

Nkosinosizo Nyathi, 40, was found bleeding outside his home.

“The fourth case happened on 09 May 2026, at around 2300 hours.
“He had a deep cut on the forehead, a swollen left eye and bruises on the chest.” He died before hospital admission.

A 21-year-old woman was tied with an electric cord as her father was beaten to death.

“Finally, on 09 May 2026 at around 2100 hours, the complainant was asleep in her bedroom when she heard her father screaming for help.”

“On 10 May 2026, the now deceased passed away while admitted.”

Inspector Msebele said a manhunt is underway for suspects identified only as Blessed, Luyando Sibanda, Zweli, Ali Muponda and Kile.

The suspects are wanted in connection with the torture slaying.

She said anyone with information is urged to report to the nearest police station.