27/11/2025
The US$4 million heist at Ecobank in Bulawayo has been revealed to be an inside job, with police confirming that bank employees colluded with the robbers. Investigators say the gang had critical information leaked to them, allowing them to seize cash boxes from two branches in a meticulously planned operation.
National police spokesman Commissioner Paul Nyathi stated that evidence points to employees leaking operational information to the robbers, saying, "It is clear. We now know they were working with inside people." This revelation has heightened calls for financial institutions to strengthen internal security and safeguard against employee collusion
The robbery, which occurred on October 3, 2024, involved a gang of armed men targeting two Ecobank branches in Bulawayo. They made off with US$3,983,500 from the city centre branch and an additional US$465,500 from the Bradfield branch, totaling US$4,449,000.
Several suspects have been identified, including Simon Xola Ngcobo, Menzeli Mpofu, and Khalid Ntimen, with Bhekani Mlilo, Abraham Temayi Vumbunu, and Elijah Temayi Vumbunu also facing charges. Mlilo was extradited from Botswana and appeared in court, while the Vumbunu brothers were arrested in South Africa and are awaiting extradition
The police investigation has revealed that the gang's inside help may have included information on cash transport schedules and security protocols. Commissioner Nyathi emphasized the need for companies to thoroughly vet employees and prevent insider-related theft, citing similar cases where employees leaked operational information
The Ecobank heist is considered one of Zimbabwe's largest cash heists, and authorities are working to bring all those involved to justice.
