South African police, working in full collaboration with Zimbabwean authorities, are closing in on suspects believed to have orchestrated a dramatic US$4 million (roughly R70 million) heist in Bulawayo. The cross-border investigation has now turned into an extradition battle involving suspects who fled multiple jurisdictions.
During a briefing in Bulawayo this week, Zimbabwean officials confirmed they are “working flat out” to extradite the Vumbunu brothers, who were arrested in South Africa on 5 July. Their transfer has been slowed down by legal protocols, but both countries are pushing ahead.
One suspect—40-year-old Bhekani Mlilo—was recently extradited from Botswana and has already made a court appearance in Bulawayo. He has been remanded in custody until 5 December, as the investigation unfolds.
Prosecutor Concilia Ncube laid out the dramatic details of the robbery. According to her, Mlilo and a crew of accomplices—including the Vumbunu brothers, Simon Xola Ngcobo, Menzeli Mpofu, Khalid Ntimen, and others still on the run—executed the heist on 3 October 2024.
Their preparation was meticulous. The gang travelled in a white Ford Ranger registered under the name of Nomsa Aneline Zingela, swapping out South African plates for Zimbabwean ones before making their move at the Ecobank branch on 9th Avenue and Fife Street in Bulawayo.
Zimbabwe’s national police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, confirmed that the extradition of the Vumbunu brothers is now in the formal legal pipeline.
“There are strict procedures and protocols to be followed. They must first appear before a South African court before they can be handed over,” he said.
Police Suspect Inside Job
Authorities now firmly believe the heist was aided by insiders.
“It is clear. We now know they were working with inside people,” Nyathi told the media.
He noted a growing trend of employees leaking sensitive information or staging robberies—sometimes teaming up with outsiders for quick cash. He cited a recent case where a bakery driver sent to collect US$10,000 allegedly worked with relatives to fake a robbery.
Nyathi urged businesses, especially financial institutions, to strengthen vetting processes and monitor who has access to high-risk information.
“This is becoming common. Companies must stop taking things for granted.”
