ZRP Releases More Details On Officer Shot And Killed At Police Station By Mutangadura Murder Suspect

ZRP Releases More Details On Officer Shot Dead By Mutangadura Murder Suspect

The Zimbabwe Republic Police has released more details confirming that a police officer was shot and killed at Sanyati Police Station by a suspect in the Joseph Mutangadura murder case. The ZRP issued a statement providing new information about the shocking incident at ZRP Sanyati on 26 October 2025.

Police Confirm The Fatal Shooting

According to the official press statement dated 26 October 2025, Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the events that led to Constable Courage Muchechesi’s death.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of Vengesai Jabulani Mutasa (41) after the callous and brutal shooting to death of Constable Courage Muchechesi at ZRP Sanyati early today.”

The suspect had earlier shot Detective Constable Ngwenya of CID Homicide, who was part of a team attempting to arrest him for the August 2025 murder of businessman Joseph Mutangadura.

Commissioner Nyathi also revealed that the violence extended beyond the shooting.

“After shooting Constable Muchechesi, the suspect went on to rob Abraham Mayavo (30) of US$5-00 as he was in the process of making a report to the police.”

The police commended the public for stepping in to help catch the suspect.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police commends members of the public in Sanyati, Kadoma, Chakari and Patchway who quickly mobilised and assisted to effect an arrest on the suspect.”

A Suspect’s Chilling Account

Separate from the police statement, ZimLive published a video earlier in the day showing the suspect narrating his side of the story. In the footage, Mutasa claimed CID Homicide detectives raided his house earlier in the day, sparking a gunfight that left an officer injured. He was able to flee from the police during the shootout.

He alleged that upon returning to his property after escaping, he discovered US$1,000 (about R18,400) was missing. He said this prompted him to go to the police station in search of the detectives, but found only Constable Muchechesi, who was on duty.

The suspect described his confrontation with Constable Muchechesi in chilling detail:

“I ordered him to lie down. He refused and tried to run away. That is when I shot him.”

Public Assistance Leads To Arrest

The police statement provided crucial details about what happened after the shooting. Commissioner Nyathi confirmed that the suspect’s rampage continued beyond the police station walls. The statement noted:

“After shooting Constable Muchechesi, the suspect went on to rob Abraham Mayavo (30) of US$5-00 as he was in the process of making a report to the police.”

The Zimbabwe Republic Police publicly acknowledged the role citizens played in ending the crisis. According to the official release:

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police commends members of the public in Sanyati, Kadoma, Chakari and Patchway who quickly mobilized and assisted to effect an arrest on the suspect.”

The police concluded their statement by indicating that further information would follow, stating:

“The police will release more details in due course.”

The Brutal Murder That Started The Investigation

The entire chain of events traces back to the brutal murder of businessman Joseph Mutangadura on 17 August 2025. According to reports, armed robbers stormed his Lisheen Estate home in Ruwa. They overpowered a security guard and forced their way into the bedroom where Mutangadura was with his wife.

The gang shot the 67-year-old businessman in the stomach before ransacking the house and stealing an undisclosed amount of cash and valuables. Mutangadura was pronounced dead on arrival at Eden Hospital in Windsor, Ruwa, while his wife survived with injuries.

Before the police station shooting, investigations had already led to significant developments. On 3 October 2025, police arrested Phillip Mutasa, 38, in Gweru.

A second suspect, Given Mandizadza, 34, was arrested in Harare on 13 October 2025. During that operation, officers recovered firearms, ammunition and explosives from his vehicle. Five other suspects connected to the Mutangadura murder remain at large, according to police reports.