Authorities arrested Bhekani Mlilo in Botswana while he attempted to enter the country from South Africa on July 14. The 39-year-old suspect faces charges related to the US$4 million Ecobank robbery that shocked Zimbabwe. Police sources connect Mlilo to a previous Nedbank branch heist in Belmont, Bulawayo during 2023. That earlier crime netted thieves US$271,500 and R2 million before seven gang members escaped. Officers captured only two suspects from the Nedbank incident and prosecuted them successfully.
Three arrests have occurred for the major Ecobank case following Mlilo's capture. Abraham and Elijah Temayi Vumbunu remain detained in South Africa pending extradition proceedings. Elijah allegedly led the criminal operation while maintaining a legitimate trucking business as cover. The brothers disposed of properties to purchase Orange Farm in South Africa where police eventually tracked them down. Authorities pursue remaining suspects through international cooperation agreements.
Three arrests have occurred for the major Ecobank case following Mlilo's capture. Abraham and Elijah Temayi Vumbunu remain detained in South Africa pending extradition proceedings. Elijah allegedly led the criminal operation while maintaining a legitimate trucking business as cover. The brothers disposed of properties to purchase Orange Farm in South Africa where police eventually tracked them down. Authorities pursue remaining suspects through international cooperation agreements.
