Ecobank Heist Suspect Linked to Another Major Bank Robbery in Bulawayo

Ecobank Heist Suspect Linked to Another Major Bank Robbery in Bulawayo

The net continues to tighten around the suspects involved in the high-profile US$4 million Ecobank robbery, with the latest arrest exposing links to another major armed robbery in Bulawayo.

Ecobank Heist Suspect Linked to Another Major Bank Robbery in Bulawayo

Police sources have revealed to The Sunday News that the third arrested suspect, Bhekani Mlilo, who was picked up in Botswana, wasn’t just involved in the Ecobank heist. Investigations suggest Mlilo was also part of a seven-man gang that hit a Nedbank branch in Belmont, Bulawayo, back in 2023, making off with US$271,500 and R2 million.

While police managed to prosecute two members of that gang, most of the robbers evaded arrest—until now.

National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed Mlilo’s arrest on Friday, saying the 39-year-old was caught on 14 July while attempting to sneak into Zimbabwe from South Africa via Botswana.

However, Nyathi kept his cards close to his chest about Mlilo’s role in the Nedbank robbery, saying investigations were still ongoing, and more suspects remained at large.

Ecobank Robbery Crackdown Continues

Mlilo becomes the third person arrested in connection with the October 2024 Ecobank heist. Earlier this month, police in South Africa arrested two brothers, Abraham and Elijah Temayi Vumbunu, who are also believed to be key players in the robbery.

Commenting on the next steps, Nyathi explained that the legal process to extradite Mlilo back to Zimbabwe was already in motion. Authorities are also working to have the Vumbunu brothers extradited, with both men still in custody in South Africa after being arrested on 5 July.

From Criminal Mastermind to Farm Owner

Sources painted a picture of Elijah Temayi, the alleged mastermind, living a double life. On the surface, he appeared to be a successful businessman running a trucking company and residing in upscale neighbourhoods.

However, after the heist, Elijah reportedly sold some of his properties to buy a large piece of land in South Africa, known as Orange Farm. It was on this very farm where law enforcement finally caught up with him after a determined manhunt.

According to legal officials, Zimbabwe’s National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) worked closely with South African counterparts to secure the arrests. Investigations have since shifted towards tracing the suspects’ assets, including luxury vehicles and properties, acquired with proceeds from the robbery. Authorities believe the stolen cash was used to buy secluded farms and high-end properties, and efforts are underway to seize them.

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