Online Reporter
Sifelani Tsiko, Fact Check Editor
The recent arrest of the Vumbunu brothers by the South African police has brought the US$4 million Ecobank robbery case back to the hot seat. In a statement, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said Abraham Temayi Vumbunu and Elijah Temayi Vumbunu were taken into custody in Johannesburg on July 5, nearly 10 months after they robbed a bank in Bulawayo last year.
The probe by the police could expose how one of the biggest heists in Zimbabwe was carried out. The robbery that rocked Zimbabwe last October set social media abuzz with speculation from many people about how this happened. Despite some criticism, the Zimbabwean police, just like a duck, kept calm on the surface while peddling fiercely underneath with investigations. We delve into what we know about the case.
When did the high profile armed robbery case happen?
This high profile armed robbery involving the theft of US$4,4 million from an Ecobank branch happened in Bulawayo on October 3, 2024.
What is the exact location of the Ecobank branch?
The robbery occurred at an Ecobank branch located at the National Railways of Zimbabwe building in Bulawayo, the country’s second largest city. The robbery took place at the corner of Fife Street and 9th Avenue at around 3.30PM.
How long did this robbery take?
This incident, considered the biggest cash heist in Zimbabwean history, only lasted a mere 149 seconds.
How much was stolen at the Ecobank branch?
Police say seven armed robbers audaciously seized three trunks containing a staggering US$4 442 000 after a Safeguard cash-in-transit vehicle was ambushed and robbed at the bank. Apart from the cash, the armed robbers also stole three guns belonging to the security company. The guns included two pistols and a shotgun.
How many suspects were involved in this robbery case?
At the time of the robbery, the police said the accused persons were seven unknown male adults. So far, Abraham Temayi Vumbunu and Elijah Temayi Vumbunu, are the only accused that have been arrested in connection with the case. In addition, security guard Sibonginkosi Sibanda, (49), of Cowdray Park suburb in Bulawayo was also arrested in connection with the US$4,4 million armed robbery. Five of the suspects are still at large.
What kind of methods were used by the robbers?
The robbers, who arrived at the scene in a white Ford Ranger pickup truck bearing the registration number AGP 2333 were armed with guns, wearing face masks and bucket hats. They used the truck to make their getaway after they swiftly launched their attack. The suspects approached the cash-in-transit team, assaulted the details with the butt of AK-47 rifles they were carrying, and disarmed the security team.
Were the number plates
AGP 2333 genuine?
No they were not. After doing preliminary investigations, the Vehicle Theft Squad (VTS) said that the number plates on the getaway vehicle belong to a Mazda Demio model. At the time, police declined to name the vehicle owner as the armed robbery case was still under investigation.
Soon after the October 3, 2024 robbery, social media was abuzz with rumours about the alleged capture of the robbers.
What did the police back then say about this?
“We also caution against sending false information like what we have seen on social media where some are coming up with all sorts of insinuations and are saying the suspects have been shot dead which is not the case,” the police said, warning about the misinformation.
What is the scale of the US$4,4 million robbery on the Zimbabwean crime landscape?
This robbery is now widely considered as the biggest cash heist in Zimbabwean history. One of the biggest cash heists includes the 2021 Gwebi River Bridge cash-in-transit robbery on the Harare-Chirundu highway when US$2,7 million was stolen.
July 6, 2025
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirms the arrest of two key suspects linked to the US$4 million Ecobank armed robbery that rocked Bulawayo last October. Abraham Temayi Vumbunu and Elijah Temayi Vumbunu were arrested on July 5 in South Africa in connection with the high-profile heist. The arrests were a result of the joint efforts between the South African Police Services (SAPS) and the ZRP.
What will follow the arrest of the two suspects in SA?
The ZRP said extradition processes are now underway to bring the suspects back to Zimbabwe to face justice. “The suspects were arrested on July 5, 2025, in the Republic of South Africa. The due processes of the law are now taking effect for the suspects’ extradition to Zimbabwe. Police are still pursuing the arrest of other suspects who are linked to this case,” Commissioner Nyathi said.
Cross-border crime
The arrest of the criminals in South Africa shows how the syndicates work. Some of the criminals who live in South Africa make forays into Zimbabwe to commit robberies and vice-versa. Organised cross-border crimes are becoming serious and growing not only in Zimbabwe and South Africa, but across many southern African countries. The criminal networks that are more commonly associated with organised crime include drug trafficking syndicates, cash-in-transit operations, poaching syndicates, hijacking of motor vehicles and stock theft, among others.
What needs to be done to curb rising cross-border crimes?
At the heart of all investigations and studies by many security experts, recommendations to fight the crimes include regional and international co-operation founded on joint operations, intelligence sharing and strong and compatible national legislations.
