Online Reporter
Peter Matika, [email protected]
A 49-YEAR-OLD security guard accused of playing a central role in the high-profile US$4,4 million Ecobank armed robbery has been further remanded in custody, as investigations intensify into the cash-in-transit heist.
Sibonginkosi Sibanda of Cowdray Park suburb in Bulawayo, appeared before Bulawayo regional magistrate Mr Mathew Mutiro, who remanded him to August 4, for routine remand proceedings.
Sibanda was arrested earlier this month following extensive investigations by law enforcement authorities, who reportedly became suspicious after sudden and unexplained changes in his lifestyle.
According to police sources, Sibanda had been under surveillance since the heist. Authorities allegedly observed that he had acquired multiple properties and vehicles, leading to suspicions that he may have benefitted from the robbery.
Investigators believe Sibanda, who worked in the banking and vehicle control room, may have leaked crucial information about the movement of the cash, making him a key player in orchestrating the heist.
Sibanda, who has remained in custody since his arrest, was denied bail after the State argued there was a high risk he could interfere with witnesses. He is facing money laundering charges.
Sibanda is being represented by Mr Prince Butshe-Dube of Butshe and Associates.
In a dramatic turn during his initial court appearance, a last-minute police blunder exposed serious flaws in the prosecution’s case, raising questions about the strength of the investigation.
The much-anticipated courtroom showdown instead turned into an embarrassing moment for the State when Detective Assistant Inspector Tawedzerwa Shiriyapenga, under cross-examination, gave conflicting testimony that weakened the charges.
Mr Butshe-Dube mounted a robust defence, questioning the basis of the arrest and highlighting inconsistencies in the charges brought forward.
He grilled Shiriyapenga over why Sibanda was initially arrested for armed robbery, only for the charge to later change to money laundering. Although Shiriyapenga denied having arrested Sibanda for robbery, his affidavit, prepared the same morning, contradicted his statement in court, severely undermining his credibility.
The defence further poked holes in the investigation, especially regarding properties allegedly acquired by Sibanda.
The prosecution claimed he had bought two houses, one in Cowdray Park and another in Mbundane, two rural homesteads, a Honda Fit vehicle and a Hino truck.
Some of these assets were said to be registered in the names of his wife and daughter, a move police believe was intended to conceal ownership.
Meanwhile, three other suspects connected to the case have been arrested in South Africa and Botswana, and are awaiting extradition to Zimbabwe.
Bhekani Mlilo (39) was arrested by Botswana police on July 14 while trying to enter the country from South Africa, while brothers Abraham Temayi Vumbunu and Elijah Temayi Vumbunu were nabbed in South Africa.
