TWO bodies lie lifeless on the ground as crowds gather – the bloody end of what police say has been a reign of terror by three armed robbers.

Gift Gibson Mwale, Godfrey Konzemvu Zondai Marimbiri and Felix Mwariwa were shot dead by police sharp shooters after a gun battle at the Somerby Estates near Harare just after 10AM on Monday.

Police say the men had hijacked a Mercedes from Mount Pleasant earlier in the day.

Mwale, who also went by the name Give Tyres, was wanted by police since 1999 for armed robbery.

Marimbiri, alias Godzebvu, skipped bail in 2006 after he was arrested on firearms charges.

Detectives from a dedicated CID crack team dealing with armed robberies stormed the robbers’ hideout at the Somerby Store, near Snake World, some 20km out of Harare.

Police say Mwale and Mwariwa, both armed with pistols, fired shots at the detectives who returned fire – cutting down all three suspects in a hail of bullets.

The Mercedes which had been stolen from Mt Pleasant was recovered at the back of the store. Police also seized an FN rifle.

The detectives also recovered keys for a Toyota Prado vehicle hijacked in Harare on Sunday.

Police spokesman Senior Assistant Commissioner Wayne Bvudzijena said: “Investigations are continuing.”