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ZRP confirms insider involvement in Ecobank US$4m robbery
42 mins ago |
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Regional police cooperation has stepped up following confirmation by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) that the US$4 million Ecobank robbery in Bulawayo was orchestrated with inside assistance. Extradition processes are now underway to bring two key suspects back from South Africa.
The heist, which occurred in October last year, is regarded as one of the most significant robberies in recent years. Armed men stormed a security company vehicle at an Ecobank branch, escaping with metal cash boxes in a white Ford Ranger. CCTV footage captured the gang speeding away, sparking a multi-country investigation.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that the alleged masterminds, the Vumbunu brothers, were arrested in South Africa and that formal extradition procedures to return them to Zimbabwe are ongoing.
"So far we have Bhekani Mlilo, who was extradited from Botswana on November 19 and has since been remanded in custody. We are now working flat out to bring the notorious Vumbunu brothers back," Commissioner Nyathi said.
Investigations have revealed that the robbery was facilitated from within the security company. "We now know with certainty that it was an inside job. The robbers were working with a security guard from the company. Most of these high-profile robberies have an element of an inside job," Commissioner Nyathi added.
The developments have brought a measure of relief to the Bulawayo community, which was left shocked by the scale and precision of the heist. The swift execution of the robbery and the suspected internal complicity had previously raised serious concerns about security protocols at financial institutions.
Authorities continue to urge the public to report any information that may assist investigations as extradition proceedings and further inquiries proceed.
The heist, which occurred in October last year, is regarded as one of the most significant robberies in recent years. Armed men stormed a security company vehicle at an Ecobank branch, escaping with metal cash boxes in a white Ford Ranger. CCTV footage captured the gang speeding away, sparking a multi-country investigation.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that the alleged masterminds, the Vumbunu brothers, were arrested in South Africa and that formal extradition procedures to return them to Zimbabwe are ongoing.
Investigations have revealed that the robbery was facilitated from within the security company. "We now know with certainty that it was an inside job. The robbers were working with a security guard from the company. Most of these high-profile robberies have an element of an inside job," Commissioner Nyathi added.
The developments have brought a measure of relief to the Bulawayo community, which was left shocked by the scale and precision of the heist. The swift execution of the robbery and the suspected internal complicity had previously raised serious concerns about security protocols at financial institutions.
Authorities continue to urge the public to report any information that may assist investigations as extradition proceedings and further inquiries proceed.
Source - ZBC
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