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

The Zimbabwe Republic Police has confirmed the arrest of a 25-year-old man, Blessed Magagoyi, in connection with the illegal manufacturing of medicines at an unlicensed premises in ZIMRE Park, Ruwa.

According to police, the suspect was arrested on May 14, 2026, following investigations into the alleged operation. Detectives reportedly recovered medicine manufacturing equipment, packaging machines, raw materials and various finished medicinal products with an estimated street value of US$25,000.

Some of the recovered products include Honey Bean Medicines, Gut Restore Powdered Medicine, Cynocene Medicines, Fotal Harmony and Cardio Cene Capsules.

Police said investigations are still underway to establish the source of the raw materials used in the manufacturing process.

The ZRP also revealed that another suspect, Tonee Tapiwa Vambe, is being sought in connection with the case. Members of the public with information that may assist in his arrest have been urged to report to their nearest police station.

Police warned the public against buying medicines from unregistered and unlicensed sources, saying such products may pose serious health risks.

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.