BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe / SOUTH AFRICA — Authorities have arrested Abraham Temenfi Vumbunu and Elijah Temayi Vumbunu, two Zimbabwean nationals, in connection with the US$4 million armed robbery at Ecobank’s Bulawayo branch that occurred on 3 October 2024.
The arrests, carried out in South Africa on 5 July 2025, represent a major breakthrough in what has been described as one of Zimbabwe’s largest cash heists.
According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the two suspects are believed to have played key roles in the highly coordinated robbery, which unfolded in just 149 seconds. The gang struck outside the Ecobank NRZ Building on Fife Street, targeting a Safeguard Security cash-in-transit van.
Authorities suspect insider involvement and ties to an organised crime network operating between Zimbabwe and South Africa. The ZRP confirmed they are collaborating with South African law enforcement and Interpol to locate and extradite additional suspects.
“Legal processes are underway to return the suspects to Zimbabwe to face justice,” said ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi.
The arrest of the Vumbunu brothers has renewed hopes for justice while raising alarms about the security protocols of financial institutions in the region. Officials have cautioned against public speculation as investigations continue.
This case marks a significant milestone in regional efforts to combat transnational financial crime and armed robbery syndicates operating across southern Africa.
