BROTHERS ARRESTED IN SOUTH AFRICA-In a major breakthrough in Zimbabwe’s most audacious cash robbery to date, two brothers have been arrested in South Africa in connection with the US$4 million heist at Ecobank’s Bulawayo branch. The arrests come just days after the dramatic collapse of a separate case involving two other suspects, intensifying public scrutiny and sparking new debates about the investigation’s direction.
The heist, which took place on 3 October 2024, involved a swift and highly organized operation during which a staggering US$4 million (approximately R72 million) was stolen in under three minutes. It immediately became one of the most significant criminal incidents in Zimbabwe’s recent history.
In a statement issued on 6 July 2025, Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the latest arrests.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of Abraham Temayi Vumbunu and Elijah Temayi Vumbunu in connection with the US$4 million Bulawayo Ecobank robbery heist. The suspects were apprehended on 5th July 2025 in the Republic of South Africa,” said Nyathi.
He further revealed that extradition processes are now underway to bring the brothers back to Zimbabwe so they can face justice.
The arrest of the Vumbunu brothers marks a significant development in what has been a long and complicated investigation. Police officials insist that the case is far from closed, and efforts to track down remaining suspects continue.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police is still pursuing the arrest of other suspects linked to this case,” Nyathi stated. “We are following all credible leads and working with regional counterparts to ensure all those responsible are brought to justice.”
Nyathi also appealed for responsible reporting from the media, cautioning against speculation that could undermine the investigation.
“We urge the media to be cautious and patient in reporting events relating to the Ecobank robbery, as leads on the suspects and their activities are still unfolding,” he said.
He added that law enforcement would pursue all suspects “without fear or favour,” especially those who commit crimes and attempt to evade accountability by fleeing to neighbouring countries.
US$4 Million Ecobank Heist Twist: Two Brothers Arrested in South Africa as Case Takes Dramatic Turn
The arrest of the Vumbunu brothers follows the dramatic withdrawal of charges against two other men who had initially been linked to the same heist. Just two days prior, on 4 July, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) dropped armed robbery charges against 49-year-old Sibonginkosi Sibanda, a security guard employed by Safeguard Security, and another unnamed individual.
Sibanda is now facing separate money laundering charges after prosecutors conceded there was no direct link between him and the actual robbery.
“There was never a credible link between my client and the robbery,” Sibanda’s lawyer, Prince Butshe, told the court. “When the case started to fall apart, the state altered the charges in an attempt to save face.”
Detective Tawedzerwa Shiriyapenga also admitted under cross-examination that the robbery charges could not be sustained, and that Sibanda’s new charges were based solely on financial intelligence and tip-offs.
“The robbery case is separate and still under investigation. The accused is currently facing a money laundering charge based on suspicious financial activity uncovered during the broader probe,” Shiriyapenga testified.
Court documents allege that Sibanda accumulated assets far exceeding what would be expected from a security guard’s earnings. These include:
Two houses in Cowdray Park
A property in Mbundane
A Hino truck and a Honda Fit
A fenced rural homestead in Insiza
Directorships in companies registered under his wife and daughter’s names
Prosecutor Constance Ncube told the court that financial audits are ongoing, and that the NPA is probing the source of Sibanda’s unexplained wealth.
“We are still tracing the movement of funds and property linked to the accused,” Ncube said. “Until the audits are complete, more charges could be filed depending on the outcome.”
With the initial suspects cleared of robbery, the spotlight now falls squarely on the Vumbunu brothers. Authorities believe their arrest could unlock critical information about how the high-stakes robbery was carried out, who orchestrated it, and where the stolen millions ended up.
Though details of their alleged involvement remain undisclosed, law enforcement officials are optimistic that the extradition process will move swiftly and that Zimbabwean courts will soon hear their side of the story.
Public anticipation is growing, and questions persist: Was the Ecobank heist an inside job? Was it linked to an international syndicate? Were key players shielded during earlier investigations?
As the case continues to evolve, one thing is certain — the arrest of Abraham and Elijah Vumbunu has reignited public interest in a crime that rocked the nation and may still have more twists to reveal.
Source- iHarare
