Vumbunu Sister Busted Over US$36K Heist — Crime Family Back in Spotlight
BULAWAYO – A sister to Zimbabwe’s most feared crime duo — the “terror twins” behind the US$4 million Ecobank heist has appeared in court over a fresh US$36 000 robbery, reigniting public shock over the Vumbunu family’s deep ties to organised crime.
Sekai Vumbunu and Florence Chisiri were remanded in custody on Monday by Bulawayo regional magistrate Luke Ncube, facing two counts of armed robbery.
Prosecutors allege the pair played a central role in a series of violent raids targeting forex dealers and businesses across the city.
Their next court appearance is scheduled for October 20.
Represented by Tanyaradzwa Kahuni and Dominic Moyo of Tashaya Law Chambers, the suspects are accused of posing as clients during a daring early-morning robbery at Nkolozi Investments, a bureau de change located at the CIPF Building.
They allegedly made off with US$18 000 and R151 000.
In a separate incident on August 10, the duo reportedly robbed a restaurant patron of US$4 000 and R60 000 at the corner of Fife Street and 12th Avenue.
The Chronicle reports that two other suspects, Nehemiah Dladla (38) and Simon Dube (28), were arrested following a high-speed police chase in Mbundane suburb and later near Nketa 6 Service Station.
The pair allegedly implicated Vumbunu, leading to her arrest.
Police recovered US$2 000 and a Toyota Fortuner believed to have been used in the getaway.
“Investigations established that Vumbunu, who is an illegal money changer, supplied information to the other suspects concerning the movement and cash transactions of their targets,” said police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi.
Commissioner Nyathi also noted that the suspects are assisting police in clearing multiple cases.
He urged members of the public to continue cooperating with law enforcement to help dismantle criminal syndicates operating in the city.
The arrests have reignited interest in the Vumbunu crime family, which gained national notoriety after the capture of brothers Elijah and Abraham Vumbunu for their alleged role in the Ecobank heist in October 2024.
That robbery, described by police as executed with “movie-style precision,” involved six armed men overpowering Safeguard security guards transporting cash before fleeing with trunks of money along 9th Avenue.
Abraham, who had just completed a 14-year prison sentence, allegedly rejoined his brother Elijah to plan the heist barely two weeks after his release.
The brothers were arrested in South Africa in July 2025 during a joint operation between the Zimbabwe Republic Police and the South African Police Service.
They are currently awaiting extradition.
Police say the Vumbunu family’s criminal history dates back to the mid-1990s and includes carjackings, gold heists, and violent home invasions.
Several extended family members have also been implicated in similar offences.
