Harare, (New Ziana) – A third suspect linked to the sensational US$4 million Ecobank armed robbery in Bulawayo has been arrested, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed.
Bhekani Mlilo (39), who had been on the run since the daring heist on October 3, last year was apprehended on July 14 in Botswana while attempting to re-enter the country from South Africa.
His arrest comes just weeks after the detention of Abraham Temayi Vumbunu and Elijah Temayi Vumbunu in South Africa, both of whom are also implicated in the high-profile robbery.
In a statement, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said that Mlilo is currently in custody as legal processes for his extradition to Zimbabwe get underway.
“Reference is made to the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s press statement released on 06th July 2025 regarding the arrest of Abraham Temayi Vumbunu and Elijah Temayi Vumbunu in South Africa in connection with the USD4 million Bulawayo Ecobank robbery heist which occurred on 03rd October 2024.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of another suspect, Bhekani Mlilo (39) in connection with the armed robbery case. The suspect was arrested on 14th July 2025 in the Republic of Botswana as he was attempting to enter the country from South Africa,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
He added that due processes of the law are now taking effect for the suspect’s extradition.
The robbery, which saw armed suspects storm an Ecobank cash-in-transit operation in Bulawayo and make off with a staggering US$4 million, sent shockwaves across the country and sparked a regional manhunt.
Commissioner Nyathi said the net is tightening around the remaining suspects still at large. “The Zimbabwe Republic Police is still pursuing the arrest of other suspects who are linked to this case. More details will be released in due course,” he said.
Law enforcement agencies in Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Botswana have been collaborating closely in what is now one of the region’s most significant cross-border criminal investigations in recent years.
Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any information that could assist in bringing the remaining suspects to justice.
New Ziana
