By Takudzwa Changadeya
Harare – Two months after armed robbers stole a staggering US$4 million from Ecobank’s Parkade branch in Bulawayo, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) says they are getting closer to catching the culprits.
The audacious heist, executed in under two minutes, involved six masked men ambushing guards from Safeguard Security as they were loading cash into a cash-in-transit van.
The gang, driving a white Ford Ranger, swiftly overpowered the guards, seized the cash trunks, and fled the scene, leaving authorities scrambling for leads.
In an international effort to apprehend the robbery gang, ZRP has sought the assistance of Interpol and South African authorities.
The gang is believed to be operating in South Africa.
ZRP spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi shared updates with ZTN, saying, “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 suspects are still in Zimbabwe or have crossed borders, we are certain it’s only a matter of time before they are arrested.”
Authorities suspect the robbery involved help from an insider.
The suspects have been identified as Elijah Vumbunu (alias Mupositori), David Sawadye, Israel Zulu, Kudakwashe Mudzingwa (alias Umbro), Takafa Vumbunu (alias Naison Mahembe), Paul Chinake, and Brian Murape
With police describing their efforts as “making headway,” it seems the clock is ticking for the robbers behind one of Zimbabwe’s most brazen cash heists.
