The entrepreneur was gunned down at his Lisheen Estate farmhouse shortly after midnight on the night of Sunday, August 17, 2025. It is now understood that he was shot a total of six times by a gang of seven suspected robbers during a violent raid.

The murder of the well-known businessman, who owned several popular establishments including the Mutangadura Hideout, has sent shockwaves across the country and sparked a major police investigation.

A Brutal Confrontation: Robbers Storm Farmhouse and Demand Cash

According to information gathered from sources close to the investigation, a gang of seven suspected robbers stormed the Lisheen Estate farmhouse. Mutangadura, who was inside his main residence at the time, was confronted by the assailants who demanded cash.

Sources allege that Mutangadura informed the attackers that he did not have any money on his person at the farmhouse, insisting that all the day’s business proceeds were kept securely at his abattoir. It is reported that following this exchange, the gang opened fire on him in a terrifying and brutal manner.

Businessman Joseph Mutangadura Was Shot Six Times

Witness accounts suggest he was first shot in the stomach, after which the attackers proceeded to fire more than five additional rounds into his chest, indicating a high level of violence and intent to kill. "They asked him for money but he said there was none in the house. That is when they shot him first in the stomach and then continued firing. It was a terrifying scene," one source, who requested anonymity, told reporters.

The suspects reportedly fled the scene immediately after the shooting, leaving the businessman’s lifeless body behind.

Police Confirm Incident, CID Homicide Deployed

National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi has confirmed the fatal shooting incident. In a brief initial statement, he indicated that he was awaiting a full report from the investigating teams before releasing a more comprehensive update.

"I am still waiting for the details of the case and will soon issue a comprehensive statement on what transpired," Commissioner Nyathi stated.

A specialized team of detectives from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Homicide in Harare has since been deployed to the Lisheen Estate to conduct a thorough and intensive investigation into the murder.

Public Outcry: Shock, Grief, and Calls for Harsher Penalties

The murder of Joseph "Mutangazi" Mutangadura has been met with widespread shock and grief, particularly within the Ruwa community where his business ventures, including several butcheries and the famous Mutangadura Hideout, employed many locals. Social media has been flooded with messages of condolence and outrage over the increasing prevalence of violent crime.

Here is a selection of the reactions from the public:

• @Kevy Whitehead: "Aaaah so sad. May his soul rest in peace. These violent crimes are now on the increase. And some of the people working for us are the ones who provides information to these robbers that money is there now. Sincere condolences to the family."
• @Rosemary Muchima: "Eish zvakaoma ko kungotora zvamurikuda pane kutora hupenyu hwemunhu. RIP." (It's tough, why not just take what you want instead of taking a person's life? RIP.)
• @Godfrey Munamati: "May his soul rest in peace! I think it’s high time we should consider death penalty for such heinous crimes, life sentence for armed robbery."
• @Shuvai Tsunga: "Eish. These thieves have no mercy. Death sentence should be brought back."
• @Gracious T Mupunga Chidakwa: "Soo sad….Mutangadura hideout will neva be the same without him."

Police Investigation Intensifies as Sources Reveal Details of the Brutal Farmhouse Attack in Ruwa

As police intensify their investigations, residents and the nation at large have been urged to remain calm while law enforcement agencies pursue all available leads to apprehend the perpetrators of this heinous crime.