BULAWAYO – Investigations into the US$4 million Ecobank robbery has intensified, with international agencies joining the pursuit.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has enlisted the assistance of Interpol and the South African Police Service to track down the six armed robbers responsible for the daring heist.
Paul Nyathi, a national police spokesperson, told the Daily News that the collaboration aims to leverage international expertise and resources to apprehend the culprits.
The robbery, which occurred in broad daylight in Bulawayo last Thursday, has sparked widespread concern due to its brazen nature and the substantial amount stolen.
Safeguard Security Services, the firm responsible for Ecobank’s cash-in-transit services, claimed they were unaware of the US$4 million being transported. The revelation raises questions about potential lapses in communication and security protocols.
“We wish to remind all customers of their responsibility to work within their contracted limits… and to communicate clearly with us if a cash movement is to be out of the ordinary.
“This allows us to plan and approach the risks appropriately,” Safeguard Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Andrew Mallon said in a statement.
A group of Safeguard Security guards, travelling in a single van, had collected a large sum of money from the Ecobank branch located at the NRZ Building, destined for delivery to Harare.
As they loaded the cash boxes into their vehicle, a white Ford Ranger single cab suddenly pulled up alongside.
Six heavily armed men, donning face masks and bucket hats, swiftly exited the Ranger, brandishing firearms. The robbers swiftly overpowered the security guards and seized the cash boxes, executing the daring heist with precision.
