Details continue to emerge in the Joseph Mutangadura murder case, with police confirming the arrest of a fourth suspect, Vengesai Jabulani Mutasa (41), following a dramatic series of events in Sanyati. Mutasa is alleged to have used the same weapon to kill both the prominent Ruwa businessman Mutangadura in August, and Constable Courage Muchechesi at Sanyati Police Station.
National police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, confirmed Mutasa’s arrest, highlighting the crucial role played by the public in his apprehension. “He (Mutasa) was arrested with the assistance of the public, and, after he was assaulted by a mob, he was then handed over to the police,” Comm Nyathi told H-Metro.
The arrest follows a chaotic weekend in Sanyati, where Mutasa was on the run after an initial confrontation with homicide detectives. According to police reports, detectives from CID Harare had received information that Mutasa was hiding in Sanyati, renting a house.
Comm Nyathi explained: “Police detectives from CID Harare received information that he was initially hiding in Kadoma and later in Sanyati, where he was renting a house. He had just been visited by his girlfriend before the detectives pounced at his house.”
It is alleged that Mutasa was about to engage in sexual activity with his girlfriend when the detectives arrived. A fierce shootout ensued, during which Detective Constable Ngwenya was injured and is currently hospitalised. “Unfortunately, there was a heavy shootout, during which one of the tenants was injured. Police detective Ngwenya was also injured and is currently hospitalised,” Comm Nyathi confirmed.
His next stop was Sanyati Police Station, where he allegedly attacked Constable Muchechesi, shooting him dead in cold blood. “He went to the police station where he then attacked Constable Muchechesi, whom he killed in cold blood,” Comm Nyathi stated.
Adding insult to injury, Mutasa then robbed a man who was at the police station to report a case, making off with his US$5 note before fleeing.
Mutasa’s escape was short-lived, thanks to the swift action of members of the public in Chakari, Patchway, Kadoma, and Sanyati, who mobilised and formed a group that led to his arrest. He was apprehended, armed with the same pistol used in both murders, and subjected to a beating by the mob before being handed over to the police.
Mutasa himself has offered a bizarre explanation for his actions, claiming he went to the police station to try and ‘recover’ money he alleges had been taken by the police.
In his own words, “Ndanga ndichigara paArda, Homicide came and attacked me manheru before they took my US$1000. I then got angry and stormed the police station, but I didn’t see them. I then ordered the deceased to lie down and he resisted before I shot him dead.”
Commissioner Nyathi thanked the community for their bravery and assistance in apprehending Mutasa. “Comm Nyathi thanked members of the public in Chakari, Patchway, Kadoma, and Sanyati who mobilised and formed a group that led to his arrest.”
With Mutasa’s arrest, the number of suspects apprehended in connection with the Mutangadura murder now stands at four. Given Mandizadza (34), Phillip Mutasa (38), and Anesu Machadu (32) have already been arrested and have appeared in court.
Comm Nyathi assured the public that the police are committed to bringing all those involved in the brutal murder of Mutangadura to justice. “So far, we have arrested four people in connection with the brutal murder of Mutangadura and we will leave no stone unturned to ensure the suspects are held accountable.”
He also emphasised the police’s commitment to responding appropriately to incidents involving armed robbers, particularly when suspects become confrontational and engage in gunfire against police officers.
“We want to assure Zimbabweans that the police will react appropriately when responding to scenes involving armed robbers, particularly when suspects become confrontational and engage in gunfire against police officers. The law is the law; no one is above it,” Comm Nyathi stated.
Mutangadura was killed on the night of August 17, 2025, by seven armed robbers. The police are continuing their investigations to gather more information on the events leading up to Mutasa’s arrest and the full extent of his involvement in the Mutangadura murder.
“As we speak now, we are conducting investigations to gather concrete information on what transpired,” Comm Nyathi confirmed. He also noted that Mutasa sustained serious injuries during his arrest and is currently receiving treatment.
Commissioner Nyathi has urged Zimbabweans to continue supporting the police in their fight against armed robbery. “We urge Zimbabweans to continue supporting our fight against armed robbery in the country. We will be releasing information during the course of this week to keep the public updated.”
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