By James Muonwa
THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed a dramatic shoot-out that resulted in the death of six armed robbery suspects.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, near the tollgate along the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls highway at Insuza.
National police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident.
“ZRP confirms a shoot-out incident with six armed robbery suspects along the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls tollgate on the 18th of March 2025, between 2am and 4am,” said Nyathi.
He said the suspects had spent the day at Young Money General Dealer Shop at Insuza, drinking and monitoring their target, before pouncing.
“They later pounced on the two complainants while armed with pistols, knives and axes. The suspects went on to tie the hands of the complainants with electric cables before covering their faces with blankets.
“They demanded for gold and cash. The suspects ransacked the whole shop and took away unknown amount of cash, groceries, 48 volts lithium battery, inverter, 9kg gas tank and cellphones,” added Nyathi.
The gang them fled the scene in their getaway vehicle, a silver Honda Fit registration number AEY4843.
One of the complainants untied themself and called the employer, who quickly alerted police who made a follow up.
Detectives tracked the getaway vehicle and spotted it along the highway as it approached the tollgate.
Nyathi said the suspects defied police orders to stop before the dramatic exchange of gunfire ensued.
“Detectives ordered the suspects to stop. Instead, the suspects fired shots towards the police officers leading to a shoot-out.
“The suspects went on to hit a boom gate at the tollgate. They were arrested and taken to United Bulawayo Hospital (UBH) where they all unfortunately passed on,” he said.
At the scene, police recovered property stolen from the shop as well as ammunition used in commotion of the crime.