‘They Wanted Him Dead’: Son Speaks as Police Launch Manhunt for Mutangadura Killers
By Loyd Matare
Ruwa was plunged into mourning yesterday as details emerged surrounding the brutal killing of prominent businessman Joseph Mutangadura, with his son insisting that the killers appeared intent on murder rather than robbery.
Mutangadura (67), popularly known as Mutangaz, was shot in the stomach as he lay in bed with his wife. Both were left unconscious and later rushed to Eden Hospital in Ruwa, where the businessman was pronounced dead on arrival.
His wife is still receiving treatment.
Known for his large family and public presence, Mutangadura leaves behind 28 children.
Speaking at the family home, Munyaradzi Mutangadura said the family was still struggling to come to terms with the cold-blooded attack.
“It seems their intention was just to kill him (Joseph Mutangadura) because, for now, it looks like they took nothing from the house,” he said.
“In our business setup, we don’t keep money at home, so there was nothing of value for them to take.”
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“He was a very good man. I don’t understand the motive behind his killing. I actually tried to follow in his footsteps because he truly was an inspiration.”
Munyaradzi revealed that he personally rushed his father to hospital in a desperate attempt to save him, but it was too late.
“We have lost our pillar of strength, someone who loved people dearly and cared for many in the community. It is a huge loss to us and the community at large,” he added.
Meanwhile, police have launched a nationwide manhunt for the gang of suspected armed robbers who carried out the attack.
According to preliminary investigations, seven masked men armed with pistols, claw bars and hammers stormed Lisheen Estate farmhouse around 11pm on Sunday.
They overpowered the security guard, tied his hands with shoelaces and forced him into the house before breaking into the main bedroom.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident, saying detectives from CID Homicide had been deployed to lead investigations.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police is investigating cases of murder and robbery which occurred at a farm along Dustain Road, Ruwa, on August 17, 2025, at around 23:00 hours where a businessman, Mutangadura Joseph, aged 67, was shot dead during a suspected robbery incident,” he said.
“The suspects tied the hands of the security guard, dragged him into the house, and later forced both him and the victim’s son to lie down in the dining room while they ransacked the house. They then shot the victim in the stomach before fleeing,” added Comm Nyathi.
Police say the exact details and value of stolen property are still being verified.
Mutangadura, a respected entrepreneur, owned Mutangaz Hideout, Mutangaz Panyama and Lisheen Estate. Hundreds of mourners gathered at his homestead yesterday to pay their respects.
Harare lawyer Obert Gutu joined the tributes, describing the late businessman as “a man with a discerning business acumen, brilliant focus and amazing attention to detail.”
Police have appealed to anyone with information on the suspects to come forward.
