3 More Mutangadura Murder Suspects Arrested

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed the arrest of Tariro Mutsamanye (34) and Dexter Mugaro (31) in connection with the murder of businessman Joseph Mutangadura (67) in Ruwa on August 17, 2025. Their arrest brings the total number of suspects apprehended in the case to five.

In a statement, Police Zimbabwe said they will provide more details in due course.

Timeline of Events

• August 17, 2025: Joseph Mutangadura (67), a prominent Ruwa businessman, was shot dead during an armed robbery at his farmhouse, Mutangadura Hideout, along Dunstan Road, Ruwa. A gang of seven masked suspects, armed with pistols, claw bars, and hammers, attacked the premises, tied up the security guard, and broke into the house. Mutangadura was shot in the stomach and pronounced dead upon arrival at Eden Hospital. His wife survived with injuries. The suspects made off with an undisclosed amount of cash and valuables.​

• October 3, 2025: Phillip Mutasa (38) was arrested in Mkoba 6, Gweru, following a tip-off linking him to the murder. He reportedly confessed to participating in the attack and named seven accomplices who remain at large.​

• October 13, 2025: Given Mandizadza (34) was arrested in Harare at the intersection of Robert Mugabe Road and Julius Nyerere Way in connection with the case.​

• October 26, 2025: Constable Courage Muchechesi was shot and killed by a suspect during an attempted arrest in Sanyati. Vengesai Jabulani Mutasa (41) was apprehended after the shootout. Ballistics confirmed the firearm used in the officer’s killing was the same weapon used to murder Mutangadura.​

• October 28, 2025: Tariro Mutsamanye (34) and Dexter Mugaro (31) were arrested, bringing the total number of suspects in custody to five.​

Summary of Status

• Deceased: Joseph Mutangadura (victim), Constable Courage Muchechesi (police officer).​

• Arrested and in custody: Phillip Mutasa, Given Mandizadza, Vengesai Jabulani Mutasa, Tariro Mutsamanye, Dexter Mugaro (five suspects).​

• At large: Several other suspects from the original gang of seven remain wanted by police.​

Additional Details

• Phillip Mutasa, the other Mutasa suspect and brother to Vengesai Jabulani Mutasa, was arrested in Gweru on October 3, 2025.

• Vengesai Jabulani Mutasa, a suspect in the murder of Joseph Mutangadura, was arrested following a violent incident in Sanyati where he fatally shot Constable Courage Muchechesi. Reports confirm that Mutasa was alive at the time of his arrest on October 26, 2025, and was facing multiple charges including two counts of murder. However, according to a report dated October 29, 2025, Mutasa is now reported to have died. Details about his death have been reported but specific circumstances or official confirmation have not been fully detailed in the sources reviewed.

• The case has drawn widespread concern over security for businesspeople and the need for community vigilance in combating violent crime.