ZRP Confirms Readiness To Hand Over Fugitive Malloti To SA Amid Push To Extradite US$4 Million Robbers

ZRP Says It’s Ready To Hand Over Malloti To SA After Nine Years On The Run Over Armed Robbery

The Zimbabwe Republic Police has broken its silence on the Malloti saga, announcing it is prepared to hand over the controversial musician and social media personality to South African authorities who want her to answer to armed robbery charges dating back nearly a decade. The development comes as a former Interpol ambassador throws his weight behind South Africa’s new prosecutions boss, promising the “bulldogs of justice” will hunt her down.

The ZRP confirmed on 18 February 2026 that it is ready to facilitate the handover of Malloti, whose real name is Millicent Tsitsi Chimonyo. The move follows a formal request from South African authorities who have been pursuing her since a warrant of arrest was issued in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court in Cape Town.

The case has taken on new urgency amid heightened cross-border legal cooperation between Harare and Pretoria. This follows Zimbabwe’s recent request for the extradition of suspects linked to the US$4 million (approximately R72 million) Ecobank heist in Bulawayo, including the Vumbunu brothers, who were arrested in South Africa.

Warrant Issued For 2017 Armed Robbery

Western Cape SAPS spokesperson Captain F.C. Van Wyk confirmed that a warrant of arrest was issued for an accused identified as Namatai Bhobho – believed to be the name Malloti used during her time in South Africa.

“The accused is wanted on a case of robbery with a firearm after a warrant of arrest was issued for her in Wynberg court. The case was removed from the court roll until she is traced and arrested,” Van Wyk said.

Documents show the matter is linked to a Rondebosch case registered in November 2017 under case number CAS 78/11/2017, indicating the alleged offence dates back several years. The docket is currently with the Director of Public Prosecutions after police received information suggesting the accused is believed to be living in Zimbabwe. The DPP’s office will now facilitate the necessary extradition processes through formal channels.

In a startling development, a video has emerged showing Malloti allegedly admitting to stealing nearly R5 million (approximately US$270,000) when she was just 13 years old. In the footage, she reportedly explains she was not arrested at the time because of her age and later served as a state witness in a separate case – a role that complicated immediate legal action against her.

Ex-Interpol Boss Backs NPA’s ‘Bulldogs’ To Get Their Woman

Retired Interpol ambassador and security strategist Andy Mashaile believes the National Prosecuting Authority, under newly-appointed National Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Andy Mothibi, will pursue Malloti relentlessly.

Speaking in Pretoria on Tuesday, Mashaile said the legal machinery would move decisively with Mothibi at the helm.

“I think the NPA, with its new head, Advocate Andy Mothibi, working hand in glove with Interpol and the station that has the complaint, or through the province and senior authorities should go out, through an Interpol red notice, and speak to the National Central Bureau in Zimbabwe, the NCB Zimbabwe. They must communicate,” Mashaile said.

“I am fully aware that there is an extradition agreement or treaty between South Africa and Zimbabwe, and therefore all stops must be pulled out until Millicent Tsitsi Chimonyo or Namatai Bhobho as she called herself in the Western Cape is brought to justice.”

Mashaile had strong words for the embattled socialite, expressing no sympathy for her situation.

“These institutions must take us into their confidence by dragging her out from wherever she is hiding, or pulling her off the stage where she would be performing. The rule of law in the SADC area must be made to prevail and be respected. I have no mercy for a person like her, who has cases against her in South Africa. To me she is a serial suspect that benefits from the slow turnings of the wheels of justice,” said Mashaile.

“We have a responsibility to make sure that we hunt her down through the necessary law enforcement agencies. I can bet that with the NDPP Advocate Andy Mothibi at the helm, that woman is definitely going to have her day in court. I am certain that the NPA is going to be bullish or brutalish in its hunt for justice. They will be dragging her out with the bulldogs of justice and prosecution.”

Zimbabwean international investigative journalist Maynard Manyowa, who publishes DugUp online, said Malloti has been hiding in plain sight.

“We couldn’t believe it when we first found out. We couldn’t believe it at all. Fugitives tend to hide. This one was in plain sight. Living as a celebrity. It’s why we then asked various authoritative figures. And while each of them said they were working on it, it went nowhere,” Manyowa said.

“It’s phenomenal that someone can be wanted for a serious offence that carries as many as 20 years in jail but live out in the open.”

Despite the serious charges hanging over her head, Malloti has continued living large on social media, recently posting a video of herself counting money on Facebook with a profanity-laced caption in Shona dismissing her accusers.