
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) remains without crucial leads in the US$4 million armed robbery that rocked Bulawayo last week, as investigations strive to gain further momentum.
A week after the daring daylight robbery, the authorities are appealing for public cooperation and urging caution against publishing unverified information that could hamper the operation.
During a press conference at Ross Camp, Bulawayo Urban District Officer-in-Charge, Commissioner Dr. Wickliffe Makamachi, acknowledged the complexity of the case but assured the public that it was subject to “special considerations”, with all national security agencies involved in the investigation.
“This case is being dealt with with the utmost priority. All branches of the security services are fully engaged, working in close cooperation through the CID headquarters,” McAmash said. “Once we have the results, we will have your cake to eat.”
Commissioner Makamachi added that further updates would come from National Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi, stressing that early reports could jeopardize the investigation.
While the police confirm that multiple teams have been on the ground since the robbery occurred, they call on the public to be patient and avoid false rumours.
“Some people are already claiming that the robbers were shot or that only $20,000 was recovered. These reports are not true,” McCamash warned. “We must focus on spreading accurate information.”
The robbery, which took place at the corner of Fife Street and Ninth Avenue, saw six armed men ambush a Safeguard cash van shortly after it collected more than US$4 million from the Ecobank branch in the NRZ building.
The robbers, wearing face masks and armed with AK-47 rifles, quickly subdued the guards and loaded metal boxes filled with cash into a white Ford Ranger, before fleeing the scene.
It is worth noting that the recently launched smart city surveillance system – which was rolled out in Bulawayo’s CBD just days before the robbery – did not cover Fife Street, leaving investigators without crucial CCTV footage.
The system, part of a collaborative effort between police, the Zimbabwe Bulawayo Action Forum against Crime and local churches, aims to reduce crime in the city, but the lack of coverage on Fife Street has complicated the issue.
Bulawayo Police spokesperson, Inspector Abedneko Ncube, confirmed that no CCTV cameras had been installed on the street where the robbery occurred, adding that the installation process was still ongoing.
“As of the day of the robbery, Fife Street was not yet equipped with our cameras,” he said.
While some passers-by were able to record the theft on their phones, the footage has not yet resulted in any breakthroughs.
Inspector Ncube appealed to the public to come forward with information and assured potential informants that their identities would be protected.
“We appeal to anyone with knowledge of this crime to come forward to us. Your safety will be ensured,” he said. SITE