US$4 Million Ecobank Heist Twist: Two New Suspects Arrested In South Africa
Two brothers have been arrested in South Africa in connection with Zimbabwe’s biggest-ever cash robbery — the brazen US$4 million (approximately R72 million) heist at Ecobank in Bulawayo on 3 October 2024. This comes just days after prosecutors dropped robbery charges against two other suspects in the same case, sparking widespread public confusion and debate.
In an official statement dated 6 July 2025, police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed:
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of Abraham Temayi Vumbunu and Elijah Temayi Vumbunu in connection with the USD million Bulawayo Ecobank robbery heist which occurred on 03rd October 2024. The suspects were arrested on 05th July 2025 in the Republic of South Africa.”
Nyathi added that extradition procedures are now underway to bring the two suspects back to Zimbabwe to face justice.
Police say manhunt continues
The arrest of the Vumbunu brothers marks a major development in the high-profile case. According to the police, the investigation is still ongoing, and other suspects are yet to be accounted for.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police is still pursuing the arrest of the other suspects who are linked to this case,” said Nyathi.
He also cautioned the media and the public:
“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 unfold.”
“Comprehensive efforts to arrest all suspects who are committing criminal acts in the country and escape to neighbouring countries will be religiously pursued for the law to take its course without fear or favour.”
Case in turmoil after collapse of earlier charges
Just 48 hours before the arrest of the Vumbunu brothers, the National Prosecuting Authority withdrew armed robbery charges against two men who had initially been linked to the same heist.
One of them, 49-year-old Sibonginkosi Sibanda — a security guard with Safeguard Security — is now facing money laundering charges after prosecutors admitted there was no credible link between him and the robbery.
“There was never a credible link between my client and the robbery,” said Sibanda’s lawyer Prince Butshe in court on Friday, 4 July.
“When the case started to fall apart, the state changed the charge in an attempt to save face.”
Detective Tawedzerwa Shiriyapenga conceded under cross-examination:
“The robbery case is separate and still under investigation. The accused is currently facing a money laundering charge based on information received from tip-offs and subsequent financial investigations.”
Court papers allege Sibanda owns multiple properties and vehicles not consistent with his salary, including:
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Two houses in Cowdray Park
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A house in Mbundane
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A Hino truck and a Honda Fit
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A fenced homestead in Insiza
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Company directorships involving his wife and daughter
Prosecutor Constance Ncube revealed that financial audits were still underway and said the National Prosecuting Authority was probing the source of the funds.
Spotlight back on fresh arrests
With the initial case in disarray, attention now turns to the Vumbunu brothers. The public awaits further disclosures on how the duo allegedly fits into the well-coordinated robbery that lasted under three minutes.
More information is expected as extradition efforts progress.
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The post 2 Brothers Arrested In South Africa Over US$4 Million Ecobank Robbery Days After Police Release 2 Other Suspects appeared first on iHarare News.
