The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has sought the assistance of Interpol to track down six armed robbers involved in the recent theft of over US$4.4 million from an Ecobank branch in Bulawayo.
The suspects, believed to be Zimbabwean criminals living in South Africa, are wanted for what is likely one of the biggest robberies in the country’s history.
Interpol, an international organization that aids cooperation among police forces in 196 countries, is helping the ZRP in its efforts to combat transnational crime.
According to reports, special investigation teams have been dispatched to Bulawayo and nearby areas to pursue leads related to the robbery.
The group of suspects is also linked to several other robberies across Zimbabwe, including a cash-in-transit heist in October 2022 where 12 kg of gold worth US$675,000 was stolen.
Between May and October 2023, the gang reportedly targeted banks, money transfer agencies, and retail outlets, stealing over US$858,000 and R508,000 in Bulawayo alone.
The suspects have been identified as Elijah Vumbunu (alias Mupositori), David Sawadye, Israel Zulu, Kudakwashe Mudzingwa (alias Umbro), Takafa Vumbunu (alias Naison Mahembe), Paul Chinake, and Brian Murape.
Authorities believe the gang flees to South Africa after committing their crimes, with Elijah Vumbunu allegedly residing in affluent areas and running a trucking business there.
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