Story by Lisa Masuku-Kurira
THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) says preliminary investigations into Wednesday’s armed robbery at a Mukuru money transfer outlet in Bulawayo point to a possible inside job.
Robbers reportedly escaped with more than US$70 000 and R500 000. The suspects, who remain at large, are said to have disabled the alarm system and taken CCTV footage, complicating efforts to trace them.
ZRP national spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, said the manner in which the robbery was executed suggests prior access to sensitive information.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police is conducting investigations, particularly into the case of the disturbing armed robbery which took place yesterday in Bulawayo. It is clear that the suspects had inside information; these criminals had received information from someone possibly within the sector. The manner in which this robbery was executed shows that they had all the inside information. They targeted an employee who has access to the safe, meaning that everything had been pre-planned,” ZRP, national spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi said.
The incident has heightened concerns among residents, particularly customers who rely on the outlet for remittances and other financial services.
“This is painful because we are now stranded where we usually collect our money. I came all the way from Filabusi to collect my money, only to hear that the place is not operational because armed robbers raided it,” one resident said.
“It is really bad what is happening in Bulawayo. It is sending the wrong message to the younger generation; that you can raid a bank and get away with it.”
Another resident added: “We are shocked and scared. It shows that we are no longer safe. The police should intensify patrols in the city and around banks so that we protect residents.”
The robbery is the second high-profile heist in the city in recent years, following the US$4 million raid at Ecobank Zimbabwe in 2024.
Police say investigations are ongoing as efforts to track down the suspects continue.
