Two Harare CID Homicide Detectives Shot Dead In Zaka, Killer On The Run

Two CID Homicide Detectives From Harare Shot Dead In Zaka

Two CID Homicide Detectives from Harare were shot dead in Zaka on Sunday morning during a high-stakes operation to apprehend suspected armed robbers.

The tragic incident, which unfolded in the rural confines of Ndume Village in the Chimedza area under Chief Ndanga, has left the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) mourning the loss of two of its finest investigators from the elite Homicide squad.

Harare Detectives Killed In Line Of Duty

The deceased officers have been identified as Bernard Chindeke (38) and McKenzie Chitowe (42), both attached to the Harare Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Homicide Division. Sources reveal that the detectives had been tracking a gang of armed robbers, leading them to the Masvingo Province.

The Masvingo Mirror reports that, according to information circulating on social media, the officers managed to apprehend one suspect in the early hours of Sunday morning. That individual is currently being held at Zaka Police Station. However, the operation turned deadly when a second robber opened fire on the detectives.

A source close to the investigation, who spoke on condition of anonymity, provided a harrowing account of the shootout.

“The detectives had successfully tracked two armed robbers to Ndume Village. They managed to apprehend one of them. It was during this time that the other suspect, who was hiding, emerged and opened fire. Detective Chindeke was hit and died on the spot.”

The source continued, detailing the desperate scramble to save the second officer.

“Detective Chitowe was critically injured. He was rushed to Ndanga Referral Hospital for immediate treatment. However, his injuries were severe, and he was then transferred to Masvingo Provincial Hospital. Unfortunately, he succumbed to his gunshot wounds on the way to Masvingo.”

Police Confirm Fatal Shooting

The Zimbabwe Republic Police have officially confirmed the deadly encounter. Detective Inspector Rachael Muteveri, the spokesperson for the CID, acknowledged the incident to the Masvingo Mirror but deferred further details to the national police spokesperson.

“Yes, I can confirm the matter, but you can get a comment from Assistant Commissioner Nyathi. He is seized with matter right now,” Muteveri stated.

Efforts to obtain an immediate response from Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi were unsuccessful as his mobile phone went unanswered. However, police sources indicate that a manhunt has been launched for the suspect who remains at large. The identity of the deceased robbers and the specifics of the case they were investigating have not yet been released as the investigation is ongoing.

The police have vowed to leave no stone unturned in tracking down the fugitive responsible for this deadly attack on the nation’s servants.