2 suspects arrested in connection with slain businessman

Police have intensified their investigation into the murder of prominent businessman Joseph Mutangadura, with the arrest of two additional suspects bringing the total number of arrests to nine.

The latest suspects, Solomon Wisdom Tariro (28) and Samuel Munyunguma (51), were apprehended in Gweru following a confrontation with law enforcement that escalated into a shootout. During the operation, one of their alleged accomplices, Valentine Mutasa (34), was fatally injured and later died in hospital, while another suspect, Obedience Mutasa, managed to flee.

According to national police spokesperson Paul Nyathi, the arrests followed a tip-off that led Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Homicide detectives to track the suspects to a service station in Claremont, Gweru. The suspects reportedly opened fire when confronted, prompting police to return fire.

Authorities recovered a 9mm Canik pistol with live ammunition, as well as an Ekol 9mm blank pistol with blank cartridges, at the scene. Police have since indicated that all individuals linked to the killing, which occurred on 17 August 2025 at Mutangadura Hideout Farm in Ruwa, are now accounted for, marking a significant development in the case.

The incident underscores ongoing efforts by law enforcement to bring closure to the high-profile murder case, while investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the crime.