Source: Vumbunu brothers’ extradition from South Africa nears completion – herald
Rutendo Nyeve, rutendo.nyeve@sundaynews.co.zw
THE long-awaited extradition of the Vumbunu brothers, the alleged masterminds behind the US$4 million Ecobank heist, is now at an advanced stage, with the two fugitives expected to be returned to Zimbabwe soon.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that judicial processes in South Africa are being finalised, bringing an end to a cross-border manhunt that has gripped the nation since the October 2024 robbery.
“I can confirm to Zimbabweans that the extradition of the Vumbunu brothers in connection with the Bulawayo Ecobank robbery case are now at an advanced stage
“As we speak, the judicial process in South Africa is being finalised. I have just been alerted by our Criminal Investigations Department who are in constant touch with the South African authorities and they’ve assured Zimbabwe that the process is now reaching its climax and very soon, once the process is completed, the Vumbunu brothers will be in Zimbabwe so that the law can take its course,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
Abraham Temayi Vumbunu and Elijah Temayi Vumbunu, originally from Mzilikazi, Bulawayo, were arrested in South Africa on 5 July 2025.
They are accused of orchestrating the daylight robbery on 3 October 2024, in which a gang of armed men ambushed a Safeguard cash-in-transit vehicle outside the Ecobank branch at the corner of 9th Avenue and Fife Street in Bulawayo.
The suspects seized four metal cash boxes, escaping with US$4 449 000 and three firearms.
The brothers are also linked to other high-profile robberies across the country.
Meanwhile, in a related development, Bhekani Mlilo (40), who was extradited from Botswana in November 2025, was recently denied bail by the Bulawayo High Court.
Justice Evangelista Kabasa ruled that Mlilo poses a significant flight risk, citing the complexities of his extradition and his ability to travel across borders.
“The applicant is well travelled and the lack of a passport with our porous borders cannot stop one from travelling,” ruled Justice Kabasa.
In a separate turn, a Safeguard Security employee, Sibonginkosi Sibanda (49), was acquitted of armed robbery charges after police admitted they could not directly link him to the heist.
However, Sibanda is now facing money laundering charges related to alleged unexplained wealth, including multiple properties and vehicles.
He has pleaded not guilty to the new charge.
The post Vumbunu brothers’ extradition from South Africa nears completion appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.