adminNomusa Mdukuzi Chronicle Reporter
DISGRUNTLED depositors yesterday took down the glass wall at Met Bank’s Bulawayo branch as they pushed each other in a stampede for money. A customer at the bank told Chronicle that there was commotion since morning, which eventually led to the breaking down of the bank’s premises.
“There was commotion as people were protesting against the bank’s failure to give cash and this eventually resulted in customers breaking the glass screen.
“Since there were a lot of people, no one noticed who destroyed the glass. Personally, I am not sympathetic to the bank, all I want is my money,” said Tariro Mubaiwa.
Eyewitnesses said an official from the bank who tried to address the angry customers, was pelted with pieces of paper and stone pebbles, forcing him to retreat into the banking hall.
Riot police had to be called to restrain the angry mob and maintain order.
A ZBC news crew was caught up in the storm while covering the incident and was briefly detained by the bank’s security guards.
Depositors said they had been queuing at the bank since Monday but failed to get their money.
“I am a teacher at one of the rural schools and I arrived here around 3am hoping to get money from this bank but up to now I have not received anything,” said Godwill Malaba.
“Our salaries were deposited on Monday but we could not withdraw cash immediately because of the long queue that was here.”
Depositors said they received text messages informing them they could withdraw money from any Zimswitch point of sale to a maximum of $100 per day.
Bank officials were not available for comment as security guards maintained tight security.
The officers were not answering their phones.
Online Reporter