By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
Bulawayo — Police have announced again, the arrest of two individuals believed to be connected to the daylight robbery of US$4 million at Ecobank in Bulawayo last month.
The brazen heist, took place on October 3, 2024, sending shockwaves through the community and raising concerns over security and law enforcement response.
Seven heavily armed robbers ambushed a Safeguard Security vehicle delivering cash to the Ecobank branch located at the National Railways Building, at the corner of Fife Street and 9th Avenue, in broad daylight. The daring assault happened just a few kilometers from the Bulawayo Central Police Station, with bystanders watching as the robbers executed their plan in a slow, calculated manner.
In a statement issued yesterday, Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest of the suspects.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of Abraham Temayi Vumbunu and Elijah Temayi Vumbunu in connection with the US$4 million Ecobank heist,” Nyathi stated.
“The suspects were apprehended on July 5, 2025, in South Africa, and extradition proceedings are underway. Police are actively pursuing the remaining suspects linked to this case.”
Commissioner Nyathi emphasized the government’s commitment to bringing all criminals to justice, regardless of their attempt to evade capture by fleeing to neighboring countries.
“We will continue to make concerted efforts to arrest all suspects involved in this crime to ensure the law takes its course,” he said, urging patience and caution from the media as investigations unfold.
More details about the case are expected to be released soon as investigations deepen. Meanwhile, recent developments include court appearances of other individuals allegedly linked to the robbery.
One such individual, Sibonginkosi Sibanda (49), a security guard employed by Safeguard Security, was arrested last week and initially charged with armed robbery. However, prosecutors later withdrew that charge, citing insufficient evidence, and instead charged him with money laundering. Sibanda appeared before Magistrate Matthew Mutiro last Friday and denied the allegations. His case has been remanded to today for a bail ruling.
Another suspect, Thokozani Zulu, was released without charge after prosecutors failed to establish any link to the robbery.
The police have reaffirmed their resolve to clamp down on criminal activities and ensure justice is served. As investigations continue, the public is advised to remain vigilant and patient as authorities work to resolve this high-profile case.
However, the concerned public will be hoping this time around the ZRP has solid leads after the botched attempt to link two men to the crime which spectacularly backfired last week.