The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has dismissed as false the reports claiming that part of the US$4.4 million seized from security guards at an Ecobank branch by armed robbers on October 3, 2024, had been recovered.
In a statement issued this Wednesday, January 1, 2025, ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi clarified that the rumours circulating on social media were baseless.
Commissioner Nyathi said it is untrue that any portion of the cash stolen in Bulawayo was found at a house in Unit F, Seke, Chitungwiza.
Contrary to the claims, he revealed that after a viral social media post alleging the recovery of the loot, members of the public broke into a house in Chitungwiza owned by a local businessman and stole US$13,500 while the businessman was not at home. Below is Commissioner Nyathi’s statement:
<blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Republic Police dismisses viral social media posts on the alleged discovery of part of USD 4 million Bulawayo bank robbery heist at a certain house in Unit F, Seke, Chitungwiza.
The allegations are false and should be dismissed with the contempt they deserve.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police warns the public, especially criminal elements against abuse of social media platforms to engage in criminal activities as revealed by this incident.
The Police has established that after the viral social media post, the public forced entry into the local businessman’s house, damaged property and some took away USD 13 500.00.
The businessman runs a hardware in Harare Central Business District and was away at the time of the incident.
The public did not find part of the USD 4 million heist as alleged on the social media platforms.
The public is urged to be cautious and avoid being reactionary to false social media messages.
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Republic Police is conducting investigations into the unlawful entry and theft of USD 13 500.00.
</blockquote>
Commissioner Nyathi added that more details will be provided in due course regarding the theft of US$13,500.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

The police say rumors on social media about finding stolen money from a bank robbery are not true. But because of these false claims, people broke into a businessman's house in Chitungwiza and stole $13,500. The businessman was not at home when this happened. The police are warning people not to believe everything they see on social media and to be careful. They are investigating the theft of the $13,500. Don't trust everything you see on social media, be cautious!

False Social Media Claims About Ecobank Heist Recovery Lead To US$13,500 Theft In Chitungwiza

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has said it is closing in on the armed robbers involved in the audacious US$4 million heist at the Ecobank Parkade branch in Bulawayo, which took place two months ago.
The robbery occurred on October 3, 2024, in the heart of Bulawayo’s Central Business District.
To aid in the investigation, the ZRP has engaged the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) and its counterparts in South Africa, where they believe the suspects may be hiding.
The police have identified the suspects as Elijah Vumbunu, also known as Mupositori; David Sawadye; Israel Zulu; Kudakwashe Mudzingwa, known as Umbro; Takafa Vumbunu, also referred to as Naison Mahembe; Paul Chinake; and Brian Murape.
In a recent interview with local television channel ZTN Prime, ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said:
<blockquote>
We are hot on the heels in terms of investigating the highly publicised Ecobank Bulawayo branch robbery where over US$4 million was stolen and we have had other robbery cases in Bulawayo and other parts of Zimbabwe
We will continue to give updates, but we are making headway. Whether the people are in Zimbabwe or have crossed the country’s borders, we are certain it’s only a matter of time before the culprits are arrested.
</blockquote>
Regarded as the largest heist in Zimbabwe’s history, the robbery involved seven masked assailants who disarmed the security team responsible for overseeing cash-in-transit vehicles parked outside the bank.
Two Safeguard vehicles were stationed in front of the Ecobank branch, where security guards were loading cash boxes into one of the vehicles when the suspects struck.
In less than two minutes, the assailants had disarmed the guards and loaded their loot into a white single-cab Ford Ranger before speeding off.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The police in Zimbabwe are getting closer to catching the robbers who stole $4 million from a bank in Bulawayo. They are working with international police to find the suspects, who they believe may be in South Africa. The robbery happened in October 2024 and involved seven masked robbers who quickly took the money and got away. The police are determined to catch them, even if they have left the country. It was the biggest robbery in Zimbabwe’s history. The police are confident they will catch the criminals soon.

"ZRP Nears Breakthrough In US$4 Million Ecobank Heist Case"

Ecobank Zimbabwe has reopened its Parkade branch in Bulawayo to the public after a two-month closure due to a robbery that resulted in the theft of approximately US$4 million.
The incident took place on October 3, 2024, in the heart of Bulawayo’s Central Business District.
In a notice to customers on Monday, Ecobank said:
<blockquote>
We are pleased to announce that our Parkade Branch in Bulawayo will reopen tomorrow, (Monday) December 2, 2024.
Our team has worked diligently to ensure the branch is ready to serve you again, and we look forward to welcoming you back.
Please note that our digital channels remain available for easy, convenient, and secure banking.
</blockquote>
In response to inquiries from the <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/ecobank-re-opens-branch-2-months-after-us4m-heist/">Chronicle</a>, Ecobank Managing Director Moses Kurenjekwa said that the bank is fully committed to ensuring a secure environment for all visitors to the branch. He said:
<blockquote>
Following the recent armed robbery incident, we have implemented enhanced security measures, including increased surveillance, additional security personnel, and improved access controls to ensure a safe banking environment.
We also encourage our customers to utilise our digital banking channels, which provide a convenient and secure alternative for transactions.
Our commitment to customer safety and satisfaction is unwavering, and we will continue to keep our community informed of any further developments.
</blockquote>
The robbery considered the largest heist in Zimbabwe’s history, involved six masked assailants who disarmed the security team overseeing cash-in-transit vehicles parked outside the bank.
Two Safeguard vehicles were stationed in front of the Ecobank branch while security guards were in the process of loading cash boxes into one of the vehicles when the suspects pounced.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Ecobank in Bulawayo was closed for 2 months after a robbery of $4 million. Now, it has reopened with enhanced security measures. The robbery involved six masked people disarming the security team and stealing cash. The bank encourages customers to use digital banking for safety. The Managing Director reassured customers of their safety and satisfaction. The branch is ready to serve customers again, and the bank will keep the community informed. The robbery was the biggest in Zimbabwe's history.

Ecobank Bulawayo Branch Reopens Two Months After US$4 Million Robbery

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) enlisted the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol)’s assistance to track down six armed robbers who stole over US$4.4 million from an Ecobank branch in Bulawayo recently.
The suspects are believed to be local criminals residing in South Africa.
Interpol is an inter-governmental organisation that facilitates cooperation between police forces from 196 member countries, whose primary goal is to help police around the world work together to combat international crime and make the world a safer place.
According to <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/interpol-roped-in-to-probe-us4m-heist/">The Herald</a>, special investigation teams have been sent to Bulawayo and surrounding areas to probe the robbery, probably the largest in Zimbabwe’s history.
The gang is allegedly connected to multiple robberies across the country, including a cash-in-transit heist involving nearly 12 kg of gold worth US$675,000 in October 2022.
They are suspected of robbing banks, money transfer agents, wholesalers, and grocery stores between May and October 2023.
In Bulawayo alone, the gang reportedly stole over US$858,000 and R508,000 in five separate raids within four months.
The suspects include Elijah Vumbunu (alias Mupositori), David Sawadye, Israel Zulu, Kudakwashe Mudzingwa (alias Umbro), Takafa Vumbunu (alias Naison Mahembe), Paul Chinake, and Brian Murape.
It is alleged that the gang typically flees to South Africa after committing their crimes.
Elijah Vumbunu reportedly runs a trucking business and resides in affluent suburbs in South Africa.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The police in Zimbabwe are working with Interpol to catch a group of robbers who stole a lot of money from a bank. The robbers live in South Africa and are connected to other crimes in Zimbabwe. They have stolen from banks, stores, and even took gold. The police are looking for six suspects, including Elijah Vumbunu and David Sawadye. The robbers usually run to South Africa after stealing. The police are working hard to catch them and make sure they don't do more crimes.

ZRP Enlists INTERPOL To Hunt Down US$4.4 Million Ecobank Heist Suspects

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) insists that the seven armed robbers who seized US$4 million from an Ecobank branch in Bulawayo last Thursday had inside information.
ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi told <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/us4m-ecobank-heist-police-question-insiders/">The Herald</a> on Monday that police teams have been dispatched to Bulawayo to assist in the investigation. He said:
<blockquote>
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.
</blockquote>
The robbery occurred shortly after 3 PM at the intersection of Queen Lozikeyi Street (formerly Fife Street) and Simon Muzenda Avenue (formerly 9th Avenue) in Bulawayo’s city centre.
A white Ford Ranger pulled up near the bank, and a gang of seven suspects—most wearing face masks and bucket hats—emerged armed with pistols and a rifle.
The robbery occurred next to two Safeguard security vehicles, where guards were in the process of loading cash boxes into one of the vehicles.
In a rapid and coordinated attack, the robbers quickly overpowered the guards, seized the cash boxes, and loaded them into their pickup—all within two minutes—before fleeing the scene with the stolen money.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

A bank in Zimbabwe got robbed of US$4 million. The police say the robbers had help from someone inside the bank. The robbers knew when and where the money was going to be. The police are investigating and questioning suspects. The robbery happened in broad daylight in Bulawayo. Seven masked people with guns stole the money in just two minutes. The police are working hard to solve the case and catch the robbers. False information about the robbery on social media is being dismissed.

US$4 Million Ecobank Heist: ZRP Says Robbers Had Inside Information

Safeguard Security Services (Pvt) Ltd has said it was not informed that it would be moving US$4 million by Ecobank before armed robbers seized the cash on a busy street in Bulawayo on Thursday afternoon.
In a letter to clients dated October 4, 2024, Safeguard CEO Andrew Mallon said the $4 million amount significantly exceeded “the contracted limits for the movement of cash.”
The letter also raised concerns that Safeguard’s insurers may not compensate Ecobank for any losses above the undisclosed limit agreed upon by the two companies. Reads the letter:
<blockquote>
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 Four million dollar move obviously poses a significant risk and is well outside of any contracted limits for Safeguard (and almost certainly the security industry Africa wide).
Any other approach places the safety of your staff, our security teams, and your cash, at considerable risk.
</blockquote>
The Safeguard security guards, travelling in a single van, had just collected the money from the Ecobank branch at the NRZ Building, with orders to deliver it to Harare.
As the guards were loading the cash boxes into their van, a white single-cab Ford Ranger pulled up. Six armed men, wearing face masks and bucket hats, jumped out with their weapons drawn.
In a rapid and coordinated attack, the robbers quickly overpowered the guards, seized the cash boxes, and loaded them into their pickup—all within two minutes—before fleeing the scene with the stolen money.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Safeguard Security Services did not know about moving $4 million before the robbery. They were not told by Ecobank. The CEO said this was more than the limit for moving cash. Safeguard may not cover the loss beyond the limit. They warned clients to follow limits and tell them about any unusual cash movements. The robbers attacked the guards, took the cash, and ran away in just two minutes. No one was hurt in the incident.

Safeguard Claims It Was Not Informed It Would Be Moving US$4 Million Before Robbery

Police have refuted social media claims that the suspects involved in the robbery of a Safeguard Cash-in-Transit team at an Ecobank branch in Bulawayo on Thursday have been apprehended.
This follows social media reports that the suspects were shot and killed along Plumtree Road hours after the robbery.
In a statement released at 4:25 PM on Friday, Police said the suspects have not yet been arrested, adding that the public and media will be updated on the latest developments regarding the case. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
The ZRP is still conducting investigations in connection with the armed robbery incident which occurred in Bulawayo on 03/10/24 at a local financial institution.
The Police dismisses social media messages indicating that the suspects have been arrested.
The Police will certainly keep the public and media informed on the latest developments in relation to this case.
</blockquote>
On Thursday, Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said that six suspects were involved in the heist, during which approximately US$4 million was stolen.
He also said the robbery might have involved an inside job or a leak of information.
However, Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, the acting spokesperson for the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in Bulawayo Province, <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/robber-bought-chewing-gum-before-executing-us44m-heist/">was quoted as saying</a> the suspects were seven in number.
She also provided brief descriptions of the Ecobank robbery suspects. Said Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele:
<blockquote>
The accused persons are seven unknown male adults, six of whom were wearing balaclava masks and one was not wearing any mask. One of the accused persons is approximately 1, 65m in height, light in complexion.
</blockquote>
The stolen cash was allegedly being transported from the Ecobank branch, located on the ground floor of the NRZ Building, Bulawayo’s tallest structure.
Witnesses described how the robbers waited for the Safeguard security guards to load the money into their truck before appearing on the driver and passenger side windows with guns drawn.
The security guards were then disarmed and forced into the back of their truck, as the robbers seized cash boxes loaded with cash.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The police say that the people who robbed a bank in Bulawayo have not been caught yet. They also said that they will tell the public when they find out more information. The robbery happened on Thursday, and about US$4 million was stolen. The police think that someone who worked at the bank might have helped with the robbery. The robbers waited for the security guards to load money in a truck before they took out guns and stole the money. The security guards were forced into the truck, and the robbers took the cash.

No Arrests Made In Ecobank Robbery - ZRP

The armed robbers who targeted a Safeguard Security cash-in-transit team at an Ecobank branch in Bulawayo on Thursday and went away with US$4 million not only disarmed the security personnel but also made off with three firearms belonging to the company.
The stolen weapons include two pistols and a shotgun, raising concerns among police that these firearms could be used in future armed robberies.
Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, the acting spokesperson for the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in Bulawayo Province, confirmed this alarming development. She said (via the <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/safeguard-security-guns-taken-by-robbers-in-us4million-bank-heist/">Chronicle</a>):
<blockquote>
Three of the Cash in Transit details were armed with a shotgun, which had two rounds of ammunition, a pistol (make and type unknown) with ten rounds and a Canik 9mm pistol with five rounds.
The accused persons approached the Cash in Transit team and assaulted the details with the butt of AK 47 rifles they were carrying and disarmed the security team.
The accused ordered the security team to lie down on their stomachs and warned them against raising any alarm.
The security team complied and the accused persons took away their guns. The accused persons dragged three trunks that had cash, loaded them into a gate away vehicle and drove off at high speed.
The accused persons also took away the three guns which they had taken from the security team.
</blockquote>
CCTV footage of the heist, which took just one minute and 49 seconds to complete, has emerged. However, reports indicate that while the getaway car was captured on camera, the license plates shown belong to a Mazda Demio, not the Ford Ranger single cab used in the crime.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Armed robbers stole $4 million from a Safeguard Security team at Ecobank in Bulawayo. They also took three guns from the security team, raising fears they could be used in more robberies. The robbers used AK-47 rifles to disarm the security team and steal the money. They told them to lay down and not make noise. The robbers then drove off in a car with the money and guns. CCTV footage of the robbery showed the crime happening in less than two minutes. Police are investigating, but the getaway car's license plates did not match.

Three Safeguard Security Guns Taken By Robbers In US$4 Million Ecobank Robbery

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has said the armed robbery at the Ecobank Parkade Branch in Bulawayo on Thursday afternoon might have involved an inside job or a leak of information.
In a press statement yesterday, ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that six suspects were involved in the heist, during which approximately US$4 million was stolen. He said:
<blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms that investigations are in full swing in connection with an alleged armed robbery case which occurred late this afternoon on 03rd October 2024 at a financial institution at corner 9th Avenue and Fife Street, Bulawayo when a cash in transit security team was approached by six suspects.
Initial indications are that USD 4 000 000.00 cash has been stolen. The manner in which this incident occurred show an element of inside job or leakage of information.
As investigations intensify the Police assures the public that the law will certainly take course without fear or favour.
Meanwhile, members of the public with information on the incident are free to contact National Complaints Desk number, (0242) 703631 or WhatsApp number, 0712 800 197 or report at any nearest Police Station.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/over-us4-million-stolen-in-zimbabwes-biggest-cash-heist/">ZimLive</a> reported a law enforcement source as saying Elijah Vumbunu, one of Zimbabwe’s seven most wanted criminals from a notorious crime family, has emerged as a prime suspect in the armed robbery.
Vumbunu is wanted for a string of high-profile armed robberies, including the October 2022 heist where a How Mine convoy carrying 11.9kg of gold was ambushed near Bulawayo.
Although several suspects were arrested, Elijah and his brothers Abraham and Tonderai Vumbunu escaped and are believed to be living in South Africa, where they plan and execute robberies in Zimbabwe.
According to ZimLive, investigations have revealed that the getaway car, a white Ford Ranger single cab with the number plate AGP2333, was actually registered to a Mazda Demio. 
Crime scene footage shows a uniformed police officer walking past the scene across the street in the direction of the Bulawayo Central Police Station. 
In Zimbabwe, police officers do not carry guns except when responding to robberies and violent scenes.
A man who claimed to be a bank manager was quoted as saying the stolen amount was closer to US$5 million, and that a client was banking US$100,000 at the time of the robbery.
The stolen cash was allegedly being transported from the Ecobank branch, located on the ground floor of the NRZ Building, Bulawayo’s tallest structure.
Witnesses described how the robbers waited for the Safeguard security guards to load the money into their truck before appearing on the driver and passenger side windows with guns drawn.
The security guards were then disarmed and forced into the back of their truck, as the robbers seized cash boxes loaded with cash.
The Ecobank/Safeguard heist is considered one of the largest cash heists in Zimbabwe’s history, surpassing the 2021 Gwebi River Bridge cash-in-transit robbery, where US$2.7 million was stolen. 
In the Gwebi River Bridge cash-in-transit robbery, a bank employee was later arrested and jailed along with his accomplices after police discovered that he had masterminded the robbery.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The police in Zimbabwe think the robbery at Ecobank might have been helped by someone who works there. Six people stole $4 million from a security van. A known criminal is suspected to be involved. The stolen money was being moved from the bank to a truck when the robbers attacked. This is one of the biggest robberies in Zimbabwe's history. The police are investigating and want the public to help with any information they have.

ZRP Suspects Inside Job In Ecobank Robbery

Ecobank has temporarily shut down its Bulawayo branch in the aftermath of an armed robbery on October 3, 2024, which resulted in the theft of US$4 million.
In a statement released on Friday, October 4, the bank announced that customers can continue to conduct their banking transactions seamlessly through its digital channels during the closure. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
We regret to inform you that our Parkade Branch will be temporarily closed on Friday October 4, 2024, following the armed robbery incident that occurred on October 3, 2024. The safety and security of our customers and staff remain our utmost priority.
During this closure, we encourage you to utilize our digital channels for all banking transactions. Please note that our online and mobile banking services are available for your convenience. 
For any in-branch services, please visit our Bradfield Branch located at Zonkizizwe Shopping Centre where our team will be ready to assist you.
We appreciate your understanding and support during this time. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact your relationship manager or customer service team on email ALLEZW CONTACTCENTRE@ecobank.com/assist@ecobank.com or call/WhatsApp 263771397171 and Toll free 08080157 (Econet numbers only).
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Ecobank's Bulawayo branch is closed because of a robbery where $4 million was stolen. The bank says customers can use online banking while the branch is shut. They ask customers to go to a different branch for help. The bank wants customers to know they care about their safety. They are sorry for the inconvenience and ask for support. If customers need help, they can contact the bank through email or phone. The bank is trying to keep things running smoothly during this difficult time.

Ecobank Temporarily Closes Bulawayo Branch After US$4 Million Heist

Brazen armed robbers targeted a cash-in-transit vehicle belonging to Safeguard Security in Bulawayo on Thursday afternoon, making off with US$4 million in cash.
The Safeguard security van was conducting routine duties at the Parkade Centre branch of Ecobank when the robbery occurred.
Videos circulating on social media show that the robbers used a white Ford Ranger with the registration number AGP 2333.
Members of the public captured part of the heist, showing six masked suspects loading what appeared to be cash boxes into their getaway vehicle at the corner of 9th Avenue and Fife Street.
An eyewitness told the <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/licence-plate-of-getaway-vehicle-in-bulawayo-4million-heist-captured-on-camera/">Chronicle</a> that the suspects suddenly appeared, fired a single shot in the air, and ordered the security guards to lie down. Said the eyewitness:
<blockquote>
As the safeguard workers were trying to get safes From the bank a Ford Ranger open truck appeared with six men wearing face masks.
All of a sudden they shot into the sky once and the safeguard workers all lay on the ground.
The robbers dragged the safes into their vehicle and sped off along George Silundika Street. They had pistols.
</blockquote>
An Ecobank worker said that the money was being taken to Harare by Safeguard security. Added the employee:
<blockquote>
The robbers took the money from the security guards’ hands outside the bank when they were about to load it into the car.
</blockquote>
Armed robberies involving large sums of cash are not uncommon in Zimbabwe, with some of the robberies a result of insiders sharing information about the movements and storage of cash by security companies.
Police have expressed concern over this trend, as robberies involving insiders are often more successful and can result in larger sums of money being stolen. 
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi has urged companies to improve their security measures and avoid keeping large amounts of cash on their premises.
Robberies involving insiders have occurred across various sectors in Zimbabwe, including businesses, schools, and cash-in-transit vehicles.
Police investigations have often led to the arrest of employees or individuals closely associated with the targeted companies.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

A big robbery happened in Bulawayo. Some robbers took US$4 million from a Safeguard Security vehicle. They had guns and masks. The robbery was caught on video. The robbers suddenly appeared and scared everyone. This kind of robbery happens a lot in Zimbabwe. Sometimes, the robbers have help from people who work at the companies. The police are worried about this and want companies to be more careful. They have caught some robbers with the help of investigations. It's important to stay safe and not keep too much cash in one place.

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