Notorious Armed Robber Shot and Arrested in Harare After Year-Long Crime Spree
By Loyd Matare
Police have arrested a suspected armed robber, Jealous Mafuwa (40), believed to be behind a string of violent robberies and a murder committed across Mashonaland Central Province and surrounding areas between May 2024 and October 2025.
In a dramatic takedown, detectives from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Homicide swooped on Mafuwa at Mushayabande Park in Glen Norah, Harare, following a tip-off.
The suspect allegedly tried to flee along with two accomplices, prompting officers to fire warning shots before shooting him in the shin to subdue him.
He was arrested and is currently assisting police with investigations.
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“So far, the suspect is clearing five counts of armed robbery and one case of murder,” said ZRP national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi in a statement.
“We commend the CID Homicide team for their swift action and urge the public to continue cooperating with the police by providing information that leads to the arrest of wanted suspects.”
According to police, Mafuwa and his gang’s violent reign included the July 13, 2025 robbery at a Dotito service station, where they allegedly shot and killed the supervisor before blasting a safe with explosives and escaping with US$2,782.
In another case on May 10, 2024, the suspects allegedly hired a Toyota Probox from Wadzanai Business Centre under the pretext of going to Montdore Mine, only to attack the driver and steal his vehicle, cash and valuables.
The gang also terrorised Dahwe San He Chrome Mining Site in Mvurwi on August 27, 2024, where they robbed 13 victims of US$150,000, 12 cellphones, and a Toyota Hilux single cab.
Commissioner Nyathi reiterated the police’s commitment to flushing out armed criminals, warning that “those who continue to defy the law and terrorise citizens will be accounted for.”
