4 armed robbers shot dead in Harare shootout with detectives
Two other suspects arrested as police vow more confrontation with criminal gangs
By Staff Reporter
Four armed robbery suspects were on Monday shot and killed by police detectives from the Harare CID Homicide department during a shootout in Harare’s Warren Park suburb.
Police identified the dead as Mike Manyima (37), Office Chanakira (38) and two other suspects only identified as Atenzi and Chris.
In a statement, police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the suspects were cornered by police detectives but fired shots in a bid to evade arrest.
“The suspects fired shots at the officers. A shootout ensued leading to the subsequent shooting of the four suspects. These suspects were taken to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, Harare were they were pronounced dead upon admission,” Nyathi said.
Two other suspects Nelson Chitima (28) and Edson Guvira (38), were arrested in the process.
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ARREST OF ARMED ROBBERY SUSPECTS AND A SHOOT OUT INCIDENT IN WARREN PARK, HARARE
The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of Nelson Chitima (28), Edson Guvira (38) and the subsequent death of Mike Manyima (37), Office Chanakira (38) and two other suspects only identified as Atenzi and Chris following a shootout with the police in Warren Park, Harare on 30th March 2026 in connection with a series of armed robbery cases which occurred in and around Harare during the month of February 2026 and March 2026.
On 30th March 2026, detectives from CID Homicide Harare acted on received information and arrested Nelson Chitima at his residence in Glenview 7 Extension, Harare.
The suspect implicated Edson Guvira, Mike Manyima, Office Chanakira, Atenzi and Chris as his accomplices. The suspect’s arrest led to the recovery of a Nissan NV350 vehicle registration number AGO 3840 which they used as a getaway car, a white balaclava, two pairs of gloves and assortment of liquor.
Nelson Chitima assisted the detectives to lure Edson Guvia to Mhishi Shopping Centre, Harare. Upon noticing the detectives, the suspect fled leading the detectives to firing warning shots but he did not stop. Resultantly, the suspect was shot on the leg leading to his arrest.
Further investigations led the detectives to Warren Park 1 Shopping Centre, Harare where they observed Mike Manyima, Office Chanakira, Atenzi and Chris arriving in a Toyota Passo vehicle, while planning for another robbery.
They waited for the arrival of the other two suspects. The police identified themselves and ordered the suspects to surrender. The suspects fired shots at the officers.
A shootout ensued leading to the subsequent shooting of the four suspects. These suspects were taken to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, Harare were they were pronounced dead upon admission.
The detectives searched the suspects’ getaway car and recovered a .70 Vozol pistol with a magazine of three rounds, a .38 Rossi revolver loaded with one round, a Supercat 1911 pellet gun, 35 X 9mm live rounds, eight emulates, four fuses, one paper spray, a balaclava, four cellphones and two national identity cards belonging to Mike Manyima and Office Chanakira.
The detectives also managed to recover three vehicles, a Black Toyota Hiace registration number AHI 3060, a purple Toyota Passo registration number AGS 0558 and a red Honda Fit registration number AGG 2485.
The suspects are clearing several armed robbery cases which includes an incident which occurred on 25th February 2026, at Kuwadzana 2 Shopping Centre, Harare where the suspects broke into various shop outlets and stole goods valued at US$500.00.
In another case which occurred on 26th February 2026, at Aspindale, Harare, the suspects attacked security guards on duty and stole a .38 Rossi revolver. On 25th March 2026, the suspects pounced on a liquor store in Glen Norah, Harare and stole various lager beers and whisky valued at US$1 989.00.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that there is no going back in the fight against armed robbery cases in the country. In this regard, the Police will decisively respond appropriately to any form of violent confrontation by armed robbery gangs.
