Police have now publicly named six suspects believed to be behind this audacious heist, arguably the largest in Zimbabwean history.
The suspects, allegedly operating a sophisticated criminal network with links to several other robberies across the country, are: Elijah Vumbunu (alias Mupositori), David Sawadye, Israel Zulu, Kudakwashe Mudzingwa (alias Umbro), Takafa Vumbunu (alias Naison Mahembe), Paul Chinake, and Brian Murape.
The suspects are not newcomers to the criminal underworld. Police investigations link the gang to a series of robberies across Zimbabwe, including the October 2022 heist of nearly 12kg of gold worth US$675 000 from a cash-in-transit vehicle transporting the precious metal from How Mine to Fidelity Printers and Refiners.
In Bulawayo alone, the gang is suspected of five raids within four months, netting over US$858 000 and R508 000. Further investigations reveal that after each crime, the gang fled to South Africa, with Elijah Vumbunu allegedly operating a trucking business and residing in affluent suburbs.
Elijah Vumbunu is one of Zimbabwe’s seven most wanted criminals. He is known for his involvement in high-profile armed robberies and is believed to be operating from South Africa.
A white Ford Ranger pulled up near the Ecobank branch, and six armed men, wielding pistols and a rifle, emerged. The suspects targeted a point where two Safeguard security vehicles were parked, with guards loading cash boxes into one of them.
Witnesses described scenes of chaos as the robbers, after firing a shot, forced security guards and bystanders to the ground before swiftly loading the loot into their vehicle and escaping.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that the investigation is underway, with teams deployed to Bulawayo and surrounding areas.
He stated that the police suspect inside information played a crucial role in the robbery.
“We stand by our position. Someone leaked information about the movement of money, and we are questioning all possible suspects.
“The investigations are ongoing and we have dispatched teams to Bulawayo, we want to assure the nation that we will get to the bottom of this, we are leaving no stone unturned. I would like to also dismiss false social media reports that have been circulating about the case. We will advise the nation on the issue whenever necessary.”
The Ecobank Parkade Branch remains temporarily closed, with the bank encouraging customers to utilise digital banking channels.
Safeguard Security, the company responsible for transporting the cash, has also released a statement expressing concern about the incident and highlighting the significant risks associated with large cash movements.
Safeguard’s chief executive, Mr Andrew Mallon, stated: “You may have seen reports of a serious cash heist in Bulawayo outside Ecobank yesterday. It vividly highlights the very serious risks associated with cash holding and cash movement, risks of which we publish frequently. We wish to remind all customers of their responsibility to work within their contracted limits for the movement of cash, and to communicate clearly with us if a cash movement is to be out of the ordinary.
“This allows us to plan and approach the risks appropriately. A US$4 million move obviously poses a significant risk and is well outside of any contracted limits for Safeguard (and almost certainly the security industry Africa-wide).”
The incident underscores the need for enhanced security measures and improved communication protocols in handling large sums of money. The involvement of Interpol highlights the international dimension of this crime and the determination of Zimbabwean authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice.
