Phillip Mutasa, the main suspect in the August 2025 murder of Zimbabwean businessman Joseph Mutangadura, has died in a hospital in Gweru. Mutasa was arrested on October 3, 2025, after being shot during a dramatic capture.
According to the reports, the detectives shot him while attempting to take him into custody.
Phillip Mutasa, aged 38, suspect in the murder and robbery of businessman Joseph Mutangadura, was apprehended by detectives from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Homicide, Harare, in Mkoba 6, Gweru. During interrogation, Mutasa implicated seven other accomplices, who remain at large.
He appeared in court on 4 October 2025.
Joseph Mutangadura, 67, was shot and killed at his home in Ruwa on August 17, 2025, during a suspected robbery. Seven armed suspects, with their faces covered, attacked the security guard before breaking into the house. They shot Mutangadura and ransacked the house.
August 17, 2025: Joseph Mutangadura, 67, was shot and killed at his home in Ruwa, Zimbabwe, during a robbery by seven armed suspects.
August 18, 2025: The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) released an official press statement confirming the murder and details of the robbery. A video of Mutangadura’s daughter speaking about her father’s death was also posted online.
Late August 2025: The police denied rumors circulating on social media that a suspect had been arrested.
October 3, 2025: The ZRP arrested a suspect, Phillip Mutasa (38), in Gweru.
October 4, 2025: News outlets reported that the arrested suspect, Phillip Mutasa, had implicated seven accomplices who are still at large.
