Bulawayo’s Bonnie and Clyde come to grief

FRANK AND FRANCISCA SIBANDA fancied themselves the Zimbabwean version of the notorious American outlaw couple Bonnie and Clyde.

The couple, both aged 65, thought they had struck gold when Stanbic Bank accidentally deposited US$30 000 into Francisca’s bank account. Instead of reporting the anomaly like good, law-abiding citizens, the old-timers went on an extravagant shopping spree across Zimbabwe and South Africa, swiping their way through restaurants, boutiques and food markets like Wicknell Chivayo.

In a dramatic twist that unfolded during police investigations, it was discovered that Francisca’s daughter, Rudo Sibanda, played a supporting role by faking her mother’s employment to help her open the account in the first place.

Their scheme followed an innocent-looking US$17,95 transaction on April 15 last year at National Foods, which triggered a banking blunder of epic proportions.

A system error turned a small purchase into a ZiG579 116,21 deposit (about US$40 850 at the then prevailing exchange rate), and the Sibandas grabbed the loot and ran!

For a brief moment, they were high-flying VIPs, feasting on Sandton’s best cuisine and strolling through Johannesburg’s Maboneng Precinct like royalty.

But, as every good Mampara story goes, the party had to end. The bank’s forensic department finally caught on, and the couple’s joyride came to a screeching halt.

Now, instead of sipping cocktails in Sandton, they are facing a lengthy stay in the slammer.

Bulawayo regional magistrate Mrs Dambudzo Malunga sentenced the couple to seven years in prison. Four years were suspended for five years, on the condition that they do not commit a similar offence during this period.

The remaining three years were further suspended on the condition that they repay the stolen money to Stanbic Bank by June 20.

And if they fail?

Well, let us just say their next shopping trip might be limited to the prison canteen.