Chitungwiza shooting incident probed

Crime Reporter

TWO people were seriously injured at a shopping centre in Chitungwiza on Monday after they were caught in crossfire during a shootout between police and a suspected armed robber.

Tashinga Mugwara and Pamela Muchazorwei, were shot by bullets that had missed the suspect, Denis Madondo, at around 4pm.

They are now admitted to Chitungwiza and Parirenyatwa hospitals for treatment.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police is investigating an unfortunate incident that occurred at Taita Shops in Chitungwiza on 27th June 2022 at around 4pm, where police had a shoot-out with a robbery suspect only identified as Denis Madondo.

“Police received a tip-off and located the suspect at Taita Shops. The suspect noticed detectives approaching and drew an Airgun pistol from his jacket before pointing it to the detectives.

“In response, the detectives fired a warning shot into the air and later shot towards the suspect and missed him. The suspect dropped the pistol and fled into the bushes where he got into an unregistered red Honda Fit vehicle and drove off towards Chitungwiza-Hwedza Road. After about an hour, it emerged that the bullet which missed the suspect had hit Tashinga Mugwara and Pamela Muchazorwei,” he said.

Asst Comm Nyathi said police “deeply regrets” the unfortunate shooting of the two and urges the public to quickly move away from crime scenes especially when armed robbers are confronting police officers.

“The police will not rest until all robbery suspects are brought to book and the law takes its course.

“Above all, criminals are warned against resisting arrest and firing at police officers, as an appropriate measure of force will be retained,” Asst Comm Nyathi said.