Norton – A dramatic shoot-out near Norton tollgate on Friday has left four suspected armed robbers dead and two police detectives seriously injured, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed. The incident occurred after detectives from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Homicide section intercepted a suspected armed robbery syndicate believed to have crossed into Zimbabwe from South Africa.
Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi released a statement detailing the incident, confirming that two of the deceased suspects were foreign nationals. The injured detectives are currently receiving treatment at a local hospital.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms a serious shooting incident and exchange of fire by CID Homicide detectives and armed robbery suspects in Norton on 3 October 2025. Four suspects have died while two detectives sustained serious injuries,” Nyathi stated.
According to Commissioner Nyathi, police had been tracking the motorised syndicate, which they believed was planning to target businesses and individuals in Bulawayo, Harare, and Kwekwe.
The exchange of gunfire resulted in the deaths of all four suspects. Following the incident, police recovered the suspects’ getaway vehicle, a Toyota Axio, along with a cache of weapons and other items.
“Subsequently, the detectives recovered the suspects’ getaway car, a Toyota Axio,” Nyathi confirmed, “a Girsan 9mm Parabellum pistol with a magazine of two rounds, a 9mm Parebellum pistol with a magazine of one round, one pair Relay grey army green shoes and one black navy blue jacket inscribed ‘Grey Wolf’.”
Commissioner Nyathi highlighted a significant link between the recovered items and a recent robbery. “One of the suspects was captured on CCTV wearing the recovered shoes and jacket during an armed robbery incident which occurred on September 30, 2025 at a hospital in Harare, where US$1 833 and airtime recharge cards worth US$140 were stolen.”
Police believe the deceased suspects were connected to a string of armed robberies committed in Harare and Bulawayo between June 25 and October 3, 2025. These include a robbery that took place in Njube, Bulawayo, on June 25, where US$8,000 and an iPhone were stolen.
“The suspects would help to clear five robbery cases which occurred in Harare and Bulawayo between June 25 and October 3 this year, including the one which occurred in Njube, Bulawayo, on June 25, where US$8 000 and an iPhone were stolen,” Nyathi said.
The ZRP has reiterated its commitment to combating armed robbery across the country.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that there is no going back in the fight against armed robbery in the country,” Nyathi asserted. “All syndicates, whether locally or foreign-based, will be decisively dealt with, in line with the country’s laws.”
Commissioner Nyathi urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. He provided contact details for the National Complaints Desk, encouraging citizens to use the available channels to share information.
“Police urged members of the public to report criminal activities to the National Complaints Desk on (0242) 703631, via WhatsApp on 0712 800 197, or at any nearest police station.”
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