ZRP Debunks Rumors: No Recovery of Ecobank’s US$4 Million in Chitungwiza

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has debunked rumors swirling on social media about the recovery of the US$4 million stolen in the Bulawayo Ecobank robbery.

These rumors emerged from audio clips circulating online, suggesting that a significant portion of the heist money was found in Chitungwiza’s Seke, Unit F.

No arrests have been made in connection with the Ecobank heist, leaving the investigation still open.

In response, ZRP Commissioner Paul Nyathi issued a statement urging the public to stop spreading misinformation on social media, highlighting the incident in Chitungwiza as a case in point.

“The ZRP dismisses any viral social media posts claiming the discovery of part of the US$4 million Bulawayo bank robbery at a house in Unit F, Seke, Chitungwiza,” Nyathi stated firmly.

He emphasized that such allegations are baseless and should be disregarded, stressing the negative impact of false narratives on social platforms.

“The ZRP warns against the misuse of social media for criminal activities, as demonstrated by this incident,” Nyathi cautioned, pointing out the potential legal repercussions.

Following the spread of these false claims, a local businessman’s home was invaded by the public, leading to property damage and theft of US$13,500.

Police investigations revealed that the crowd, misled by the viral posts, entered the businessman’s home, who operates a hardware store in Harare CBD, and was absent during the intrusion.

The public’s search yielded no part of the US$4 million heist, contrary to what was speculated online.

Nyathi urged vigilance among citizens, advising against hasty reactions to unverified social media posts.

Currently, the ZRP is actively investigating the theft of US$13,500, which was a direct result of the misinformation campaign.

This incident underscores the broader issue of how quickly misinformation can escalate into real-world consequences, affecting innocent individuals and complicating ongoing police investigations.

The ZRP continues to appeal for cooperation from the public in providing accurate information rather than spreading rumors that could jeopardize justice and public order.