KEY POINTS
- Three suspects were arrested in connection with the murder of Sergeant Abel Masava, while two others were killed in a shootout with police.
- The gang is linked to 25 armed robberies across Bulawayo, targeting businesses such as supermarkets, fuel stations, and funeral parlors.
- Community fears grow as this marks the second police killing in Bulawayo within a month, following the death of Detective Cassandra Hove in March.
In a major development, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has arrested three suspects in connection with the fatal shooting of Sergeant Abel Masava, a dedicated officer who was gunned down last Friday in Sizinda, Bulawayo, while responding to a domestic violence call.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the city, marking the second killing of a police officer in Bulawayo within a month.
According to MyZimbabwe, the late Sergeant Masava, stationed at ZRP Tshabalala, was ambushed in the early hours of March 28, 2025, after he and his colleague, Constable Magaya, arrived at a residence in Sizinda following a domestic dispute report.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of Mandlenkosi Albert Munangati (26), Clifford Desmond Nare (33), and Thabo Dube (24) in connection with the murder case. The firearm used to kill the police officer has been recovered from the robbers,” said National Police Spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi.
A deadly encounter and dramatic shootout in Bulawayo
The tragedy unfolded when Sergeant Masava noticed five men dressed in black walking past the scene.
Upon stopping them for questioning, one suspect pulled out a gun and shot him in the head at point-blank range. The assailants fled, but a swift police operation led to the arrest of three suspects.
Two other suspects—Sipho Ncube (24) and Dumisani Ndlovu (32)—were later cornered by detectives along Harrow Street in Sauerstown.
A fierce gun battle ensued, resulting in both suspects being fatally wounded. They were pronounced dead upon arrival at United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH).
“The detectives tracked the vehicle leading to the arrest of Mandlenkosi Albert Munangati. The suspect implicated the others, leading to the recovery of five firearms, including a National Browning pistol, a Blow F92 Blank pellet gun, a Long Rifle 12GA, a Vizor Pistol, a shotgun, and a sword,” Commissioner Nyathi revealed.
