Armed Robbery Suspect In Viral Bulawayo Break-In Arrested As Police Link Him To Nine Cases
A man captured on a viral video allegedly trying to break into a house in Bulawayo’s Mahatshula East suburb has been arrested, with police linking him to a string of armed robberies committed over several months.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed on Wednesday, 14 May 2026, that 28-year-old Joseph Phiri is now in custody over a series of armed robbery cases that occurred in Mahatshula between 15 December 2025 and 13 May 2026. Police say the suspect was allegedly part of multiple robbery syndicates that terrorised residents using knives, sjamboks and pistols.
Viral Video Leads To Arrest
The case drew widespread attention after a video circulated on social media showing a man wearing a maroon and grey bucket hat and a grey jacket allegedly attempting to force his way into a home in Mahatshula East.
In a press statement dated 14 May 2026, police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said investigators linked the suspect to several violent robbery incidents in Bulawayo.
Police said:
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of Joseph Phiri (28) in connection with cases of armed robbery which occurred in Mahatshula suburb, Bulawayo from 15th December 2025 till 13th May 2026.”
According to police, Phiri allegedly worked with three men identified as Challenge Lucky Neta, Trust Adam Mubvumbi and Wellington Nyakurima, also known as Dombadomba.
Authorities said the gang allegedly carried out seven robberies targeting residents in the suburb.
Police stated:
“The suspect initially teamed up with Challenge Lucky Neta (38), Trust Adam Mubvumbi (35) and Wellington Nyakurima alias Dombadomba (33) to commit seven cases of robbery by attacking victims with knives, sjamboks, while armed with pistols.”
Three Alleged Accomplices Already In Custody
Police confirmed that the three men allegedly linked to the first robbery syndicate were arrested earlier and are currently being held at Khami Prison awaiting further court proceedings.
The ZRP said:
“His three accomplices were later arrested and remanded in custody at Khami Prison.”
Investigators allege that after those arrests, Phiri later joined another group and continued committing robberies in Mahatshula East.
Police named the second group’s alleged members as Pauros Hadebe, Oscar Ndlovu, also known as Mao, and Jomo Chomu.
Authorities claim the gang was involved in two more robbery incidents.
Police Appeal For Information
Police are now appealing to members of the public for information that could lead to the arrest of the remaining suspects.
Commissioner Nyathi urged anyone with details on the whereabouts of Pauros Hadebe, Oscar Ndlovu or Jomo Chomu to contact the police.
The statement said:
“Anyone with information on their whereabouts should feel free to contact the National Complaints Desk on (0242) 703631 or WhatsApp on 0712 800 197 or report at any nearest Police Station.”
Police also reiterated their position on armed robbery cases across the country.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that there is no going back in the fight against armed robbery cases in the country.”
The case continues to attract online attention following the circulation of the burglary video, which helped bring the suspect to light.
The post ZRP Arrests Suspect Linked To Nine Armed Robbery Cases In Bulawayo appeared first on iHarare News.
