ZRP names dead man in Ecobank heist suspects
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) made a big mistake in their investigation of the US$4 million Ecobank robbery in Bulawayo. They named Israel Zulu as one of the suspects, even though they had said he died in a police shootout in October 2023. This error has made people doubt how well the police are handling the case.
According to a report by Zimeye, the robbery happened last week when six armed men stole US$4 million from Ecobank in just 149 seconds. It was a very quick and bold crime that has gotten attention from around the world. The police said the suspects are Elijah Vumbunu (also called Mupositori), David Sawadye, Israel Zulu, Kudakwashe Mudzingwa (also called Umbro), Takafa Vumbunu (also called Naison Mahembe), Paul Chinake, and Brian Murape.
But naming Israel Zulu as a suspect is strange because the police said he died in October 2023. They even put out a statement about it back then, saying:
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms a shooting incident involving two armed robbery suspects, Israel Zulu (50) and David Dausi Takawira (43), which occurred on 17th October 2023 at Manyame River, Southlea Park, Harare.
“The shooting incident follows the arrest of the suspects in Mutare on 16th October 2023. The suspects revealed to detectives from CID Homicide, Harare that they hid firearms in a bushy area near Manyame River, Southlea Park. Upon arrival at the scene, the suspects tried to escape while taking advantage of the current weather situation, leading to a shootout. Subsequently, the suspects were shot by the detectives and were taken to Sally Mugabe Hospital where they died upon admission.”
This mistake makes people wonder if the police are doing a good job investigating the robbery. They haven’t said anything about this mix-up yet.
The robbery was very quick. Six armed men in a white Ford Ranger truck overpowered the guards and took the money. The police think someone inside the bank helped the robbers. They also think these same people might have done other big robberies before, like stealing 12kg of gold in 2022.
Officer Commanding Bulawayo Province Commissioner Wiklef Makamache talked to reporters about what they’re doing:
“We are working together as a team and through our CID Headquarters we have been able to engage the other side of the border and we are still pursuing the matter.
“Once we are done with the investigations we will bring the cake to you for consumption, please don’t speculate, some were already indicating that these robbers have already been shot dead, some were suggesting that it was done in Plumtree, some were already saying the recovery rate was US$20,000 the rest is nowhere to be found but the truth of the matter is our investigation process is still ongoing our teams are right on the ground from day one and we are looking forward to apprehending the culprits.”
