by Chantelle Muzanenhamo
Bulawayo — Police in Bulawayo have announced the arrest of a suspect linked to the historic $4 million robbery at an Ecobank branch in the city’s central business district last year.
Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele confirmed that the suspect will appear in court on Friday. However, she did not release further details about the individual’s identity or the circumstances of the arrest.
Sources close to law enforcement revealed that the suspect is believed to be a security guard employed by Safeguard, the security company contracted to transport cash from the Ecobank branch located at the NRZ Building on Fife Street and 9th Avenue.
The daring daylight robbery unfolded on October 3, 2024 , as Safeguard security personnel were loading cash-filled trunks into their van parked outside the bank. Suddenly, a Ford Ranger truck pulled up in front of the Safeguard vehicle. Armed robbers, armed with guns, jumped out of the truck and swiftly overpowered the guards.
The assailants managed to seize trunks containing an estimated $4 million, loading them into the cargo bay of the Ford Ranger before speeding away from the scene. The entire operation lasted just 149 seconds, marking it as the largest cash heist in the country’s history.
Law enforcement authorities have been investigating the incident for over a year, and today’s arrest marks a significant breakthrough in the case. Further details regarding the suspect’s involvement and potential accomplices are expected to be revealed during the court proceedings.
The robbery sent shockwaves across Zimbabwe, highlighting vulnerabilities in cash security protocols despite heightened security measures nationwide. Authorities continue to pursue other suspects believed to be involved in the daring daylight heist.