A man has appeared in a Harare court on charges of armed robbery in connection with a 2021 cash-in-transit heist involving over US$2 million. Alfred Shumba, 32, was brought before Harare Regional Magistrate Jessie Kufa after authorities were allegedly informed of his location by his brother following a financial dispute.
According to prosecutors presenting the state’s case, Shumba’s arrest was initiated after his brother contacted the police. The court heard allegations that the two had a disagreement concerning the distribution of funds from the robbery, which prompted the brother to provide information leading to Shumba’s apprehension.
Shumba was not asked to plead to the charges and was remanded in custody.
The charges stem from a robbery that occurred on January 6, 2021. On that date, a security vehicle transporting cash for ZB Bank was intercepted by armed individuals near the Gwebi Bridge along the Harare-Chirundu highway. Reports from the Zimbabwe Republic Police at the time stated that the suspects, who were traveling in multiple vehicles, disarmed the security guards before taking control of the cash truck. The perpetrators allegedly transferred several bags of cash, valued by authorities at approximately US$2.7 million, into their own vehicles before abandoning the security van.
Shumba is one of several individuals to be charged in connection with the case. Since the incident, law enforcement officials have announced multiple arrests and the recovery of portions of the stolen money, as well as vehicles and other assets allegedly purchased with the funds. The investigation has remained active, with authorities continuing to seek individuals they believe were involved.
During the court proceedings, the prosecution outlined its case against Shumba, linking him to the group that allegedly planned and executed the robbery. The state opposed bail, citing the seriousness of the offense and asserting that Shumba was a flight risk.
The magistrate scheduled Shumba’s next court appearance for a future date, pending further investigation. The case is one of several high-value cash-in-transit robberies that have been reported in Zimbabwe in recent years.
