MASVINGO – The quiet of Sunday morning in the Ndanga area of Zaka in Masvingo province, was shattered by a hail of bullets as two seasoned detectives from the Harare Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Homicide Division were gunned down while tracking a gang of notorious armed robbers. The incident, which occurred in Ndume Village, has left the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) mourning the loss of two of its dedicated officers, Detective Bernard Chindeke, 38, and Detective McKenzie Chitowe, 42.
The two detectives were part of a crack team from the capital that had been deployed to Masvingo Province to track a five-member gang linked to a spate of violent robberies in Harare and its surrounding areas. While the operation initially saw the successful apprehension of four gang members, the fifth suspect, identified as Daniel Munyanyi, managed to open fire on the officers before vanishing into the thickets of the rural landscape.
National police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, confirmed the tragic development, stating that the suspect is still at large and is considered extremely dangerous.
“It is unfortunate that our team of detectives from CID Homicide in Harare who were tracking armed robbers was involved in a shoot-out that resulted in the death of two detectives,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
According to police reports, the detectives had tracked the suspects to a hideout in Ndume Village. As the team moved in to make the arrests, a confrontation ensued. In the chaos of the gunfight, Munyanyi allegedly pulled a firearm and discharged it at the officers. Detective Chindeke was hit and died on the spot, while Detective Chitowe sustained serious injuries.
Chitowe was initially rushed to Ndanga Referral Hospital for emergency treatment. However, due to the severity of his wounds, he was transferred to Masvingo Provincial Hospital. Tragically, he succumbed to his injuries while on his way to the provincial medical facility.
“One of the detectives died on the spot while another one died on his way to the hospital,” Commissioner Nyathi added, highlighting the lethal nature of the encounter.
The death of Chindeke and Chitowe underscores the increasing risks faced by law enforcement officers in Zimbabwe as they grapple with a rising tide of violent crime. Statistics from 2024 indicated a 4% rise in violent robberies involving firearms across the country, a trend that has continued into 2025 and 2026. The ZRP has been forced to escalate its response, leading to several high-stakes shootouts in recent months.
In October 2025, a similar confrontation in Norton resulted in the deaths of four robbery suspects after a fierce gunfight with detectives. That gang had been linked to at least five major robberies between June and October of that year, targeting business premises and cash-in-transit vehicles. The frequency of these incidents has placed the CID Homicide Division at the forefront of a dangerous battle against well-armed criminal syndicates.
“We will soon be releasing a full statement detailing what actually transpired but we are appealing to anyone with information leading to the arrest of Daniel Munyanyi to contact the nearest police station,” the Commissioner urged.
The search for Daniel Munyanyi has now been extended across Masvingo Province and beyond. Police have warned members of the public not to approach the suspect if they see him, as he is believed to still be armed with the weapon used to kill the detectives. The ZRP has deployed additional units, including the Support Unit and canine sections, to comb the Zaka area and surrounding districts.
The suspects being tracked were allegedly part of a gang that had been terrorising residents and business owners in Harare. In January 2025, CID Homicide detectives unearthed a cache of hidden firearms in Mabvuku, which were linked to a series of robberies targeting Mukuru Money Transfer agents. The sophistication of these gangs, often using high-calibre weapons and detailed planning, has made the work of detectives like Chindeke and Chitowe more perilous than ever.
In July 2025, another major operation led to the arrest of Edson Murambidzi and Takudzwa Makanha, who were linked to several murders and robberies. These operations often involve long hours of surveillance and dangerous raids, where the margin for error is non-existent. The loss of two experienced officers in a single incident is a significant blow to the Homicide Division’s operational capacity.
The local community in Zaka has expressed deep concern following the shootout. Residents of Ndume Village described the scene as chaotic, with many hearing the gunshots in the early hours of Sunday. The village, usually a peaceful rural settlement, became a crime scene overnight as forensic experts and senior police officials descended on the area to gather evidence.
The ZRP has assured the families of the deceased officers that they will receive full support during this difficult time. Funeral arrangements for Detective Chindeke and Detective Chitowe are expected to be announced once post-mortem examinations are completed. Both officers were described by their colleagues as dedicated professionals who had served the force with distinction for many years.
The rise in armed robberies has also seen a change in the profile of the criminals involved. In late 2025, two South African nationals were among four suspects shot dead in a gunfight with detectives in Harare. This cross-border criminal element has added a new layer of complexity to the ZRP’s investigations, requiring closer cooperation with regional law enforcement agencies through INTERPOL.
Despite the tragedy, the ZRP maintains that it will continue to take the fight to the criminals. Commissioner Nyathi’s message to the fugitive Munyanyi was clear and uncompromising.
“What we want to assure Zimbabweans is that no matter what, the suspect will be arrested and will face the full wrath of the law,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
The investigation into the Zaka shooting continues, with detectives currently interrogating the four arrested gang members to determine Munyanyi’s possible whereabouts. There are fears that he may attempt to flee the country, possibly into neighbouring South Africa or Mozambique, prompting the ZRP to alert border posts.
The loss of life in Zaka serves as a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by those in uniform. As the nation mourns the two detectives, the focus remains on the manhunt for Daniel Munyanyi. The ZRP has reiterated its appeal for public assistance, stressing that any information, no matter how small, could be vital in bringing the killer to justice.
In the coming days, more details are expected to emerge regarding the specific robbery cases the gang was involved in. For now, the names of Bernard Chindeke and McKenzie Chitowe have been added to the roll of honour of those who gave their lives in the service of their country, their bravery in the face of a deadly armed robber a testament to their commitment to the safety of all Zimbabweans.
The escalating violence in the criminal underworld has led to calls for more resources to be allocated to the police, particularly in terms of protective gear and advanced surveillance technology. While the ZRP has made significant strides in recovering illegal firearms, the Zaka incident highlights that many dangerous weapons remain in the wrong hands.
As the sun sets over the hills of Zaka, the search for Daniel Munyanyi continues. The ZRP has vowed that they will not rest until he is in custody, ensuring that the deaths of their colleagues were not in vain. The resolve of the police force remains unshaken, even as they navigate the grief of losing two of their own in such a brutal manner.
The impact of this incident will be felt long after the news cycle moves on. For the families of Chindeke and Chitowe, the loss is personal and permanent. For the ZRP, it is a call to action to double their efforts in the ongoing war against armed robbery. The nation watches as the manhunt unfolds, hoping for a swift and just conclusion to this tragic chapter in Zaka.
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