End of the Hunt: Joseph Mutangadura’s Neighbour Arrested in Shocking Murder Case Police have arrested a seventh suspect, Webster Nha...
End of the Hunt: Joseph Mutangadura’s Neighbour Arrested in Shocking Murder Case
Police have arrested a seventh suspect, Webster Nhau, who was a neighbour to the late Joseph Mutangadura, in connection with the businessman's murder. This concludes a months-long investigation that dismantled a violent gang, believed to be related, responsible for the crime.
The Night of the Murder
On the night of August 17, 2025, a gang of seven men in balaclavas armed with pistols, hammers, and claw bars raided Mutangadura Hideout farm on Dunstan Road in Ruwa. A security guard was ambushed and subdued after investigating barking dogs. The gang tied his hands with his own shoelaces.
The attackers forced the guard around the property before breaking down the main door. Six robbers stormed the house, leaving one to guard the security officer. Inside, they located the businessman's 14-year-old son before breaking into the master bedroom where they encountered 67-year-old Joseph Mutangadura, popularly known as Mutangaz.
During the confrontation, a single gunshot was fired, striking Mr. Mutangadura in the chest and killing him instantly. The gang proceeded to ransack the room for valuables while the victim's wife was present. Mr. Mutangadura was rushed to a clinic in Ruwa but was pronounced dead on arrival.
The Investigation
The investigation's first major lead came with the arrest of Phillip Mutasa (38) in Mkoba 6, Gweru, on October 3. During questioning by CID Homicide detectives, he reportedly implicated seven accomplices, providing the roadmap for the subsequent arrests.
A second suspect, Given Mandizadza (34), was arrested on October 13 in Harare's CBD. Acting on a tip-off, detectives tracked him to his Isuzu vehicle. A search of the car yielded a significant cache of evidence, including two pistols (a Tokarev and an EKOL), multiple rounds of ammunition, explosives, fuses, a grinder, and a black monkey hat.
The most critical breakthrough came with the arrest of Vengesai Jabulani Mutasa (41) in Sanyati. Detectives first exchanged gunfire with him at his home, where he injured an officer, Detective Constable Ngwenya. Mutasa then fled to Sanyati Police Station, where he tragically shot and killed Constable Courage Muchechesi before being apprehended by members of the public. Ballistic tests later confirmed that the firearm recovered from Mutasa was the same weapon used to murder Joseph Mutangadura.
The Suspects
Over several weeks, CID Homicide detectives meticulously tracked and arrested all seven members of the gang:
- Phillip Mutasa (38): Arrested Oct 3. Implicated the rest of the gang.
- Given Mandizadza (34): Arrested Oct 13 with a cache of weapons.
- Vengesai Jabulani Mutasa (41): Brother of Phillip, arrested in late Oct after the fatal Sanyati shootout.
- Tariro Mutsamanye (34): Formally charged on Oct 30 while in custody for other robberies.
- Dexter Tinashe Mugaro (31): Also charged on Oct 30 while in custody for other cases.
- Philemon Anesu Machadu (32): His arrest details were also confirmed.
- Webster Nhau (51): The final suspect and the victim's neighbour, arrested on Nov 2 in Ruwa.
All suspects have been remanded in custody and advised to apply for bail at the High Court.
Frequently Asked Questions
The seventh and final suspect arrested was Webster Nhau (51). Police confirmed he was a neighbour of the victim, Joseph Mutangadura, and was arrested near his home on the same road.
The most crucial piece of evidence was the firearm recovered from Vengesai Jabulani Mutasa after he killed a police officer in Sanyati. Ballistic tests confirmed it was the same weapon used to murder Joseph Mutangadura.
Yes, police confirmed that at least two of the suspects, Phillip Mutasa and Vengesai Jabulani Mutasa, are brothers. There are indications that other members of the gang may also be related.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only.
The information is provided by Gossip Maestro using online sources and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose.
Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.