Trial for suspected ringleader of the gang that executed the infamous US$2.7 million ZB Bank money heist along the Harare-Chinhoyi highway in 2021 began yesterday at the Harare Magistrates Court.
It is the State’s case that in January 2021, 32-year-old Alfred Shumba, working with several accomplices, some of whom have already been arrested, hatched a plan to rob a cash-in-transit vehicle, which had more than US$2.7 million.
The cash was destined for distribution to ZB branches, including Chinhoyi, Kadoma, Kwekwe, Gweru, Bulawayo, Gwanda and Zvishavane.
It is alleged that one of the crew members, Fanuel Musakwa, who was part of the cash-in-transit team, allegedly kept Shumba and his accomplices informed about their whereabouts along the Harare-Chinhoyi Highway.
The court heard that at Inkomo turn-off, the driver of the cash-in-transit vehicle allegedly picked up three individuals after Musakwa asked him to ferry them while pretending they were genuine passengers.
During the course of the journey, the suspects allegedly produced a pistol, demanded cash, and used a red Toyota Hilux vehicle, driven by another accomplice, Gerald Rutizirira, as a getaway vehicle.
Shumba, who was remanded in custody pending investigations, is expected back in court on April 3 for trial continuation.
