Mutare, Zimbabwe – The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed the arrest of three suspects involved in a smuggling operation and a subsequent shootout that resulted in the death of one individual. The incident occurred on October 16, 2024, at approximately 5:30 AM.
The suspects, identified as Phillimon Matiyashe (32), Tawanda Chafanza (33), and Owen Wenjere (29), were apprehended for smuggling second-hand clothes. The operation also led to the death of Admire Tawanda Sibanda (40), who was involved in a shootout with police officers.
Acting on a tip-off, a police crack team intercepted a MAN rigid truck, registration number AFG 7429, along Vumba Road near the Prince of Wales turn-off in Mutare. The truck, loaded with smuggled second-hand clothes, was being escorted by two vehicles: an unregistered silver Toyota Runx and a silver Toyota Mark X, registration number AFY 1037, driven by Sibanda.
When the police flagged down the truck, the driver attempted to flee. Another Toyota Runx, registration number AFH 8368, blocked the road, prompting Sibanda to pull out a pistol and fire at the police. A shootout ensued, during which Sibanda was shot in the neck. He succumbed to his injuries while being transported to the hospital. The police vehicle sustained two bullet holes on the front left fender.
Following a high-speed chase, Matiyashe, Chafanza, and Wenjere were arrested. The police recovered 104 bales of second-hand shoes and 138 bales of second-hand clothes from the truck.
