Police launch nationwide manhunt for drug kingpins linked to armed robberies

The Zimbabwe Republic Police have initiated a nationwide manhunt for three suspected drug kingpins operating out of Harare. The investigation intensified after authorities recovered explosives linked to a series of armed robberies, suggesting a dangerous convergence between drug syndicates and violent crime. Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the suspects—Nomore Chabata, Joymore Chihwai, and Leon Mambohaatumwi—are now the primary targets of a security crackdown. This development highlights the growing threat of organized crime syndicates that are increasingly utilizing military-grade hardware to conduct robberies. The state is struggling to contain the intersection of narcotics and armed violence, which is now challenging law enforcement capabilities. The surge in organized criminal activity is forcing a more aggressive, militarized response from police.