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US$4m bank heist mastermind denied bail
3 hrs ago |
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The Bulawayo High Court has denied bail to a man accused of masterminding a daring US$4 million robbery at an Ecobank branch, in a case that has drawn widespread public attention.
The suspect, Bhekani Milo, is facing charges linked to a high-stakes heist that unfolded on October 3, 2024, at Ecobank's Parkade branch in Bulawayo.
According to court documents, Milo and his alleged accomplices travelled from South Africa in a white Ford Ranger, switching number plates along the way before carrying out the robbery.
The gang is accused of intercepting a Safeguard Private Security cash-in-transit vehicle, holding guards at gunpoint, and making off with cash boxes containing more than US$4.4 million. Three firearms were also reportedly taken during the incident.
Investigations into the robbery triggered a cross-border manhunt. Two alleged accomplices, Elijah and Abraham Vumbunu, were arrested in South Africa and are awaiting extradition, while Milo was apprehended in Botswana in July last year following an extensive search.
He was later extradited to Zimbabwe in November 2025.
Prosecutors told the court that the State has a strong case against Milo, citing key evidence including the recovery of the suspected getaway vehicle and witnesses prepared to testify, one of whom allegedly attended a planning meeting in South Africa.
The State also argued that the seriousness of the charges and the likelihood of a lengthy prison sentence increased the risk that Milo could abscond if released on bail.
In his defence, Milo denied involvement, claiming he was in Mozambique at the time of the robbery. He described himself as a family man and offered to surrender his passport as assurance that he would not flee.
However, presiding judge Evangelista Kabasa dismissed the application, citing a high risk of flight.
"The applicant is well travelled and the lack of a passport, with our porous borders, cannot stop one from travelling," she said, adding that the lengthy and complex process required to secure his arrest underscored the risk.
Justice Kabasa ruled that granting bail would undermine the administration of justice, ordering that Milo remain in custody as the case proceeds.
The case continues to unfold as authorities pursue the remaining suspects and prepare for trial.
The suspect, Bhekani Milo, is facing charges linked to a high-stakes heist that unfolded on October 3, 2024, at Ecobank's Parkade branch in Bulawayo.
According to court documents, Milo and his alleged accomplices travelled from South Africa in a white Ford Ranger, switching number plates along the way before carrying out the robbery.
The gang is accused of intercepting a Safeguard Private Security cash-in-transit vehicle, holding guards at gunpoint, and making off with cash boxes containing more than US$4.4 million. Three firearms were also reportedly taken during the incident.
Investigations into the robbery triggered a cross-border manhunt. Two alleged accomplices, Elijah and Abraham Vumbunu, were arrested in South Africa and are awaiting extradition, while Milo was apprehended in Botswana in July last year following an extensive search.
He was later extradited to Zimbabwe in November 2025.
Prosecutors told the court that the State has a strong case against Milo, citing key evidence including the recovery of the suspected getaway vehicle and witnesses prepared to testify, one of whom allegedly attended a planning meeting in South Africa.
The State also argued that the seriousness of the charges and the likelihood of a lengthy prison sentence increased the risk that Milo could abscond if released on bail.
In his defence, Milo denied involvement, claiming he was in Mozambique at the time of the robbery. He described himself as a family man and offered to surrender his passport as assurance that he would not flee.
However, presiding judge Evangelista Kabasa dismissed the application, citing a high risk of flight.
"The applicant is well travelled and the lack of a passport, with our porous borders, cannot stop one from travelling," she said, adding that the lengthy and complex process required to secure his arrest underscored the risk.
Justice Kabasa ruled that granting bail would undermine the administration of justice, ordering that Milo remain in custody as the case proceeds.
The case continues to unfold as authorities pursue the remaining suspects and prepare for trial.
Source - The Herald
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