Zimbabwe police close in on suspects in US$4.4 million Bulawayo heist

Police have made significant strides in their investigation of the US$4.4 million armed robbery in Bulawayo last month, believed to be the largest bank heist in Zimbabwe since independence.

Six suspects, all Zimbabweans residing in South Africa, are being pursued with the assistance of Interpol. The gang is alleged to have a pattern of crossing the Limpopo River to carry out high-value robberies before returning to South Africa.

National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed ongoing investigations but declined to provide detailed updates.

"We are still conducting investigations on the case. We will update you in due course," he said.
Investigators Confident

Sources close to the investigation revealed that law enforcement has gathered critical evidence needed to track and apprehend the suspects. The gang is suspected of involvement in a string of high-profile robberies nationwide, including a daring attack on a cash-in-transit vehicle transporting nearly 12kg of gold worth US$675,000 from How Mine to Fidelity Gold Refinery in October 2022.

The suspects are also implicated in a series of robberies targeting financial institutions, money transfer agents, wholesalers, and grocery shops across Zimbabwe. In Bulawayo alone, the gang reportedly stole over US$858,000 and R508,000 in five raids between May and October last year.
Suspects Identified

The alleged robbers have been named as Elijah Vumbunu, alias Mupositori, David Sawadye, Israel Zulu, Kudakwashe Mudzingwa, alias Umbro, Takafa Vumbunu, alias Naison Mahembe, Paul Chinake, and Brian Murape.

Authorities believe the gang operates a sophisticated network, allowing them to evade capture and continue their criminal activities. Notably, the suspected ringleader, Elijah Vumbunu, is said to be running a trucking business and living in affluent neighborhoods in South Africa.
Crack Teams Deployed

To fast-track the investigation, specialized police units have been deployed in Bulawayo and nearby towns. The operation aims to dismantle the gang's local connections and bring them to justice.
Public Urged to Assist

Police have appealed to the public for information that could aid in the suspects' arrest. Zimbabwe's law enforcement agencies, working alongside regional and international partners, are determined to put an end to the gang's reign of terror.

This latest robbery underscores the ongoing challenge posed by cross-border criminal syndicates targeting Zimbabwe's financial and gold sectors.