By Tatenda Chitagu

A viral social media post has claimed part of the loot from the US$4 million robbery that happened in Bulawayo late last year has been recovered at a house in Harare.

The robbery, carried brazenly during daylight saw the money being seized by men armed to the teeth from security guards at an Ecobank branch on October 3, 2024,

Titled, ‘Mastermind behind the stolen $4 million in Bulawayo have (sic) been uncovered, see details’ the story published on feednews.com, but was immediately pulled down.

A screenshot from the site

Our Verdict

ZimTracker immediately sought clarity from the police, and they said they would issue a statement.

In the statement latter on 1 January 2025, also posted on the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP)’s official X account (@PoliceZimbabwe), spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the false information actually led to the theft of $13 500 by members of the public from a house in Unit F, Chitungwiza owned by a local businessman. The unnamed businessman, who runs hardware shops, was not at home, according to the police.

“The allegations are false and should be dismissed with the contempt they deserve. The police have established that after the viral social media post, the public forced entry into the local businessman’s house, damaged property and some took away USD 13 500.00.

“The businessman runs a hardware in Harare Central Business District and was away at the time of the incident. The public did not find part of the USD 4 million heist as alleged on the social media platforms.

“The public is urged to be cautious and avoid being reactionary to false social media messages,” reads part of the statement by the ZRP.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police warns the public, especially criminal elements against abuse of social media platforms to engage in criminal activities as revealed by this incident,” the statement further reads.

Comm Nyathi said the police are conducting investigations into the unlawful entry and theft of the USD 13 500.00.

ZimTracker Comment

“These are some of the harm brought about by the spread of false information,” said Walter Marwizi, co-founder of ZimTracker, a fact checking and media literacy organisation.

“That is why we remain committed to combating the spread of mis and disinformation so that there is social cohesion in both online and offline communities,” Marwizi added.