South African Authorities Begin Extradition Proceedings for Zimbabwean Brothers Abraham and Elijah Temayi Following Bulawayo Bank Heist

The wheels of justice are turning for two notorious Zimbabwean brothers, Abraham and Elijah Temayi, as extradition proceedings move forward in South Africa.

The siblings, accused of one of Zimbabwe’s most high-profile bank heists, are now set to return home to face charges.

The Crime That Shook Bulawayo

Back in October 2024, an Ecobank branch in Bulawayo became the site of an audacious robbery that left the country reeling.

The gang, reportedly including the Temayi brothers, made off with around US$4 million, which is roughly R70.3 million.

Reports suggest the operation was carefully planned, with insider knowledge and military-style precision, leaving authorities scrambling for leads in the aftermath.

Arrests Across Borders

The South African police apprehended Abraham and Elijah Temayi on 5 July 2025, more than eight months after the Bulawayo heist.

Zimbabwe Republic Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that the arrests were the result of intensified investigative work, adding that the brothers were linked to several other criminal activities and were among Zimbabwe’s most wanted fugitives.

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Legal Steps Toward Extradition

With the suspects in custody, formal extradition procedures have now begun.

Zimbabwean authorities are collaborating closely with their South African counterparts to ensure that the Temayi brothers are brought back to face the full force of the law.

Commissioner Nyathi stated that bilateral talks held the previous month had confirmed South Africa’s commitment to facilitating the extradition.

The Bigger Picture

The October 2024 robbery is widely regarded as one of Zimbabwe’s largest and most daring bank heists in recent history.

It highlighted vulnerabilities in the banking sector and sparked conversations about security protocols, the role of insider knowledge, and cross-border criminal networks.

The Temayi brothers, as high-profile fugitives, have been a major focus for law enforcement on both sides of the border.

What’s Next?

Once extradited, Abraham and Elijah Temayi will face a host of charges in Zimbabwe, including armed robbery and other linked criminal offenses.

Authorities are also expected to investigate potential connections to other unsolved heists in the region.

The case could set a precedent for cross-border cooperation in criminal matters between South Africa and Zimbabwe.

Summary

Abraham and Elijah Temayi, Zimbabwean brothers accused of masterminding a US$4 million robbery in Bulawayo, are undergoing extradition from South Africa to Zimbabwe.

Arrested in July 2025, the siblings are among the country’s most wanted fugitives and are linked to multiple crimes.

Extradition proceedings are now underway as authorities in both countries collaborate to ensure the brothers face justice, highlighting the growing importance of cross-border law enforcement cooperation.