Latwell Nyangu
FOUR of the seven armed robbers who shot and killed prominent Ruwa businessman Joseph Mutangadura have now been arrested with the latest suspect being nabbed after he was bashed by a mob in Sanyati at the weekend.
Vengesai Jabulani Mutasa, 41, was arrested after he shot and killed a police officer at Sanyati Police Station using the same weapon which was used to shoot and kill Mutangadura at his home in August this year.
Mutasa had earlier been involved in a shootout with homicide detectives before he escaped from a house in a half-naked state.
He then shot and killed Detective Constable Courage Muchechesi in cold blood at Sanyati Police Station and robbed a man, who had come to report a case, before bolting away with the man’s US$5 note.
Mutasa, who was cornered and caught by some brave members of the public, received a thorough beating before he was handed over to the police.
National police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, confirmed that he was the fourth suspect in the Mutangadura murder case to be arrested.
Given Mandizadza (34), Phillip Mutasa (38) and Anesu Machadu, 32, have been arrested in connection with the case and have already appeared in court.
Comm Nyathi told H-Metro:
“He (Mutasa) was arrested with the assistance of the public, and, after he was assaulted by a mob, he was then handed over to the police.
“He was a wanted person in connection with the murder of Ruwa businessman Joseph Mutangadura in August.
“Police detectives from CID Harare received information that he was initially hiding in Kadoma and later in Sanyati, where he was renting a house.
“He had just been visited by his girlfriend before the detectives pounced at his house.
“Unfortunately, there was a heavy shootout, during which one of the tenants was injured.
“Police detective Ngwenya was also injured and is currently hospitalised.”
Comm Nyathi said Mutasa escaped during the shootout.
“He went to the police station where he then attacked Constable Muchechesi, whom he killed in cold blood.
“He then robbed a person who was making a report to the police, taking his US$5 before fleeing.”
Comm Nyathi thanked members of the public in Chakari, Patchway, Kadoma, and Sanyati who mobilised and formed a group that led to his arrest.
“He was armed with a pistol and the same pistol that killed the policeman was used to murder businessman Mutangadura.
“As we speak now, we are conducting investigations to gather concrete information on what transpired.
“The suspect sustained serious injuries and is receiving treatment.
“So far, we have arrested four people in connection with the brutal murder of Mutangadura and we will leave no stone unturned to ensure the suspects are held accountable.
“We want to assure Zimbabweans that the police will react appropriately when responding to scenes involving armed robbers, particularly when suspects become confrontational and engage in gunfire against police officers.
“The law is the law; no one is above it.
“We urge Zimbabweans to continue supporting our fight against armed robbery in the country. We will be releasing information during the course of this week to keep the public updated.”
Mutangadura was killed on the night of August 17, 2025, by seven armed robbers.
Mutasa claimed he went to the police station to try and ‘recover’ his money which he claims had been taken by the police.
“Ndanga ndichigara paArda, Homicide came and attacked me manheru before they took my US$1000.
“I then got angry and stormed the police station, but I didn’t see them.
“I then ordered the deceased to lie down and he resisted before I shot him dead.”
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