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Zimbabwe police say 'making headway' 2 months after Ecobank US$4m heist
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The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has intensified its efforts to apprehend the armed robbers behind the dramatic US$4 million heist at the Ecobank Parkade branch in Bulawayo two months ago.
The robbery, which occurred in less than two minutes, captured international attention. Six armed and masked men driving a white Ford Ranger ambushed security guards from Safeguard Security as they loaded cash boxes into their vehicle. The gang overpowered the guards, seized the cash trunks, and fled the scene.
ZRP has identified several suspects, including Elijah Vumbunu (alias Mupositori), David Sawadye, Israel Zulu, Kudakwashe Mudzingwa (alias Umbro), Takafa Vumbunu (alias Naison Mahembe), Paul Chinake, and Brian Murape. The police, in collaboration with Interpol and South African authorities, are pursuing leads that suggest the suspects may have fled across borders.
Speaking to ZTN, ZRP spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi expressed confidence in the progress of the investigation:
"We are hot on the heels in terms of investigating the highly publicised Ecobank Bulawayo branch robbery where over US$4 million was stolen. Whether the people are in Zimbabwe or have crossed the country's borders, we are certain it's only a matter of time before the culprits are arrested."
Nyathi added that the police are also investigating other robbery cases in Bulawayo and across Zimbabwe, with updates expected soon.
Authorities suspect the heist was facilitated by an insider, as the execution was swift and precise. This angle is being explored as part of ongoing investigations.
The Ecobank Parkade branch, which had been closed since the incident to facilitate investigations, reopened on December 2.
The case remains one of Zimbabwe's largest armed robberies, with law enforcement agencies under pressure to bring the culprits to justice and recover the stolen funds.
The robbery, which occurred in less than two minutes, captured international attention. Six armed and masked men driving a white Ford Ranger ambushed security guards from Safeguard Security as they loaded cash boxes into their vehicle. The gang overpowered the guards, seized the cash trunks, and fled the scene.
ZRP has identified several suspects, including Elijah Vumbunu (alias Mupositori), David Sawadye, Israel Zulu, Kudakwashe Mudzingwa (alias Umbro), Takafa Vumbunu (alias Naison Mahembe), Paul Chinake, and Brian Murape. The police, in collaboration with Interpol and South African authorities, are pursuing leads that suggest the suspects may have fled across borders.
Speaking to ZTN, ZRP spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi expressed confidence in the progress of the investigation:
"We are hot on the heels in terms of investigating the highly publicised Ecobank Bulawayo branch robbery where over US$4 million was stolen. Whether the people are in Zimbabwe or have crossed the country's borders, we are certain it's only a matter of time before the culprits are arrested."
Nyathi added that the police are also investigating other robbery cases in Bulawayo and across Zimbabwe, with updates expected soon.
Authorities suspect the heist was facilitated by an insider, as the execution was swift and precise. This angle is being explored as part of ongoing investigations.
The Ecobank Parkade branch, which had been closed since the incident to facilitate investigations, reopened on December 2.
The case remains one of Zimbabwe's largest armed robberies, with law enforcement agencies under pressure to bring the culprits to justice and recover the stolen funds.
Source - NewZimbabwe
