Vumbunu Brothers Nabbed in US$4 Million Heist Link...

Vumbunu Brothers Nabbed in US$4 Million Heist Linked to Howmine Gold Theft

ZimNow Reporter

In a development that could close some of Zimbabwe's most daring armed robberies in recent years, the Zimbabwe Republic Police has confirmed the arrest of two suspects in South Africa.

In a statement released today, ZRP National Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said Abraham Temayi Vumbunu and Elijah Temayi Vumbunu, who are wanted in connection with the US$4 million armed robbery at Ecobank’s Bulawayo branch in October 2023, were apprehended yesterday.

He said extradition proceedings are now underway to bring them back to Zimbabwe to face trial.

In late 2024, police named the suspects in the Ecobank robbery as Elijah Vumbunu (alias Mupositori), David Sawadye, Israel Zulu, Kudakwashe Mudzingwa (alias Umbro), Takafa Vumbunu (alias Naison Mahembe), Paul Chinake, and Brian Murape.

The gang was also linked to a series of robberies across Zimbabwe, including the October 2022 heist of nearly 12 kg of gold worth US$675,000from a cash-in-transit vehicle transporting the precious metal from How Mine to Fidelity Printers and Refiners.

In Bulawayo alone, the gang is suspected of five raids within four months, netting over US$858,000 and R508,000. Further investigations reveal that after each crime, the gang fled to South Africa, with Elijah Vumbunu allegedly operating a trucking business and residing in affluent suburbs.

Meanwhile, Sibonginkosi Sibanda, 49, a Safeguard Security employee previously linked to the heist, remains in custody facing money laundering charges unrelated to the robbery itself.

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He is set to appear at the Bulawayo Magistrates’ Court this coming Monday for a bail hearing.