Police Zero In On US$4.4 Million Armed Robbery Suspects With Interpol’s Help
Police are closing in on six suspects linked to the daring US$4.4 million armed robbery in Bulawayo, believed to be the largest bank heist in Zimbabwe’s history since independence. The suspects, who are thought to reside in South Africa, are reportedly part of a highly organized gang that crosses the border to strike lucrative targets in Zimbabwe.
Authorities have gathered significant evidence and deployed crack investigation teams in Bulawayo and surrounding areas to track the perpetrators. National police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, confirmed that investigations are ongoing and promised updates in due course.
“We are still conducting investigations on the case. We will update you in due course,” Commissioner Nyathi said.
Sources close to the investigation revealed that all critical pieces of information necessary to arrest the suspects are now in place. Interpol has also been roped in to assist in pursuing the gang across borders.
The suspects, identified as Elijah Vumbunu alias Mupositori, David Sawadye, Israel Zulu, Kudakwashe Mudzingwa alias Umbro, Takafa Vumbunu alias Naison Mahembe, Paul Chinake, and Brian Murape, have a history of high-profile robberies. Authorities link the gang to numerous heists nationwide, including the October 2022 robbery of a cash-in-transit vehicle carrying 12kg of gold worth US$675,000 from How Mine to Fidelity Gold Refinery.
The gang is also suspected of targeting financial institutions, money transfer agents, and wholesalers. Between May and October last year, they allegedly stole over US$858,000 and R508,000 in five separate raids in Bulawayo alone.
After committing these crimes, the suspects reportedly fled to South Africa, where they are believed to lead lavish lifestyles. One of the key suspects, Elijah Vumbunu, is said to operate a trucking business and live in affluent suburbs across the Limpopo River.
The involvement of Interpol signifies the seriousness of the case as authorities pursue the gang internationally. The cooperation is expected to enhance efforts to apprehend the suspects, who have managed to evade arrest by exploiting cross-border dynamics.
The heist, which occurred early last month, sent shockwaves across the country and raised concerns about the security of financial institutions. The gang’s daring methods, coupled with their ability to escape to South Africa, have made them a priority for law enforcement.
Police have urged members of the public with any information on the suspects to come forward as the hunt for the country’s most wanted gang continues.
