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Suspect: Ephraim Alphas (37) appeared before Harare Regional Magistrate Musaiona Shotgamne.
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Charges: Murder and armed robbery related to the death of Ruwa businessman Joseph Mutangadura.
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The Incident: The attack occurred on August 17, 2025, at Mutangadura’s Hideout Farm.
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Casualties: Joseph Mutangadura was shot in the chest and killed instantly; his wife, Patience, was left unconscious.
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Accomplices: Alphas is one of approximately seven suspects who allegedly stormed the property wearing balaclavas.
The brutal killing of prominent Ruwa businessman Joseph Mutangadura has seen a significant breakthrough as one of the primary suspects, Ephraim Alphas, was brought before the Harare Magistrates’ Court. The state alleges that Alphas was part of a seven-man gang that pounced on Hideout Farm in the late hours of August 17, 2025. Armed with pistols, crowbars, and hammers, the intruders first neutralized a newly hired security guard before breaking into the main farmhouse.
Inside the residence, the suspects allegedly terrorized the family, discovering Mutangadura’s 14-year-old son, Ryan, asleep in his bedroom before moving to the main bedroom. It was there that Joseph Mutangadura was fatally shot in the chest. Following the shooting, the gang reportedly ransacked the house for valuables, forcing the young Ryan to witness the aftermath of the violence against his father.
The court heard harrowing details of the escape, noting that the security guard, Bonus Kadiwa, managed to crawl to the bedroom to assist the surviving family members once the intruders fled. While Alphas has been remanded in custody and advised to apply for bail at the High Court, the investigation remains active as authorities continue to track down the remaining members of the gang.
Timeline of Events
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August 17, 2025 (11:15 PM): Seven masked suspects pounce on Mutangadura’s Hideout Farm, Ruwa.
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August 17, 2025 (Midnight): Joseph Mutangadura is fatally shot; suspects flee after looting the bedroom.
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August 18, 2025: Mutangadura is pronounced dead on arrival at Eden Clinic; Patience Mutangadura transferred to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals.
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Recent Days: Police apprehend Ephraim Alphas (37) following ongoing investigations into the gang’s whereabouts.
Key Players
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Joseph Mutangadura: The deceased businessman and owner of Hideout Farm.
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Ephraim Alphas: The 37-year-old suspect currently facing murder and robbery charges.
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Musaiona Shotgamne: The Harare Regional Magistrate presiding over the initial court appearance.
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Bonus Kadiwa: The security guard who was tied up and threatened during the initial breach.
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Ryan Mutangadura: The 14-year-old son who witnessed the crime scene and called for help.
