The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) says the extradition from South Africa of suspects wanted in connection with high-profile robberies, including the notorious US$4 million Ecobank heist, is now at an advanced stage.
ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the police, working with local courts as well as their South African and Botswana counterparts, are finalising the process and tying up all loose ends.
The Botswana Police Service (BPS) became involved after one of the suspects attempted to cross into Botswana from South Africa. Commissioner Nyathi said:
“Police don’t work in isolation. The process involves legal parameters and must be handled with the utmost care.
“We must make sure that all channels are followed to the core. We don’t want any loopholes in addressing this matter.”
He compared the process to that of murder-accused Gweru car leader Peter Dube, who was extradited from Ireland after his dramatic escape from Zimbabwe. Added Comm. Nyathi:
“In the same vein, you should remember the case of Princess Shoko, where a married couple was extradited from South Africa back to Zimbabwe this year to face justice for killing their four-year-old niece in 2023 before skipping the country.
“John Zvivi (36) and Alista Sibanda (35) were transported back into Zimbabwe following their arrest in South Africa.”
Four suspects have so far been arrested in connection with the US$4 million heist, with three awaiting extradition.
Two of them, brothers Abraham Tendayi and Elijah Temayi Vumbunu, were arrested in South Africa in July this year, nearly ten months after the robbery, while in hiding.
A third suspect, 39-year-old Bhekani Mlilo, was detained as he attempted to cross into Botswana from South Africa.
More: The Herald
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