Daylight Heist: Mukuru Branch in Zimbabwe Loses Millions to Armed Robbers

A brazen daylight robbery occurred at a Mukuru branch in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, leaving the city in a state of shock and raising concerns about the security of financial institutions. On Wednesday, a group of armed robbers stormed the premises, making off with a substantial amount of cash, totaling over US$78,141 and R501,820. The heist took place during business hours, with customers present inside the building. According to eyewitnesses, the suspects acted swiftly, targeting a female staff member as she arrived for work at around 7:08 am. The robbers forcibly escorted her into the office and ordered her to open the strong room and a Chubb safe, from which they stole the cash. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has launched an investigation into the incident. This latest robbery is part of a worrying trend of cash heists in Bulawayo, with the city experiencing a series of high-profile robberies in recent months. One notable incident occurred on October 3, 2024, when six masked gunmen carried out a massive cash robbery at the Ecobank Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. The suspects used military-style precision to overwhelm security personnel and escape with millions in cash. The Mukuru robbery highlights the vulnerabilities in cash handling operations and the need for tighter security protocols across the banking sector. Mukuru outlets, which handle large volumes of foreign currency, are attractive targets for armed gangs, especially given Zimbabwe’s ongoing liquidity challenges. The incident has raised fresh questions about how armed gangs continue to strike high-cash targets during peak hours, and the police are working to apprehend the suspects and prevent future robberies.