Online Reporter
Danisa Masuku [email protected]
THE trial of a Bulawayo man accused of masterminding a daring break-in at a local Nedbank branch, where nearly US$300 000, more than R2,4 million and five gold coins were allegedly stolen, took a new twist on Friday after the investigating officer admitted to an error on crucial police exhibit records.
Bhekani Mlilo of Emganwini suburb appeared before Bulawayo regional magistrate Mr Mathew Mutiro facing charges of unlawful entry and theft in aggravating circumstances.
Mlilo, who is represented by Mr Tawanda Tavengwa of Mvundla Tavengwa Solicitors, has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
During cross-examination, defense lawyer Mr Tavengwa challenged Detective Constable Godwin Samamba over inconsistencies in the police seizure form and exhibit register relating to recovered evidence. Mr Tavengwa drew the court’s attention to conflicting names recorded on the documents.
“Do you notice that in the seizure form, it is recorded that a bank official named Chikweta appended his signature on the plastic bags, which contained the stolen money?” asked Mr Tavengwa.
He said in the exhibit book, it is recorded that a bank official named Chipeta signed on the plastic bags which contained the stolen money.
“Do you see that there is a complete lack of corroboration, and which one should the court believe?” quizzed Mr Tavengwa.
Earlier, when asked who had signed the seizure form and exhibit register, Det Const Samamba said the entries had been made by a former colleague who has since died.
Confronted with the discrepancy, the detective conceded that the conflicting names were the result of a mistake.
“It was a mistake,” he told the court.
Prosecuting, Mr Owen Mugari alleges that Mlilo acted in concert with Lovemore Gambiza, who has already been convicted and sentenced for his role in the robbery.
According to the State, on August 26, 2023, at about 1 PM, the bank manager and other employees closed the branch after business hours, leaving cash reserves and valuables secured inside the vault.
The court heard that at about 1 AM the following day, Mlilo and Gambiza allegedly approached the eastern side of the bank building.
“The duo scaled a precast wall at the back of the premises after cutting through the security razor wire. They then cut and removed a metal burglar bar protecting a back-office window before gaining entry into the bank,” said Mr Mugari.
Once inside, the pair allegedly forced open the server room before using a high-temperature gas cutting torch to cut through the bank’s Chubb vault.
The State alleges they stole US$282 000, more than R2,4 million in cash and five gold coins before loading the loot into bags.
Mr Mugari said the suspects also removed and stole the bank’s Network Video Recorder (NVR) in an attempt to destroy Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) evidence before fleeing.
The break-in was discovered later that morning when bank employees reported for duty and found the premises ransacked, prompting a police investigation.
Detectives allegedly recovered discarded tissue papers and cigarette butts from inside the bank, which were submitted for forensic DNA analysis.
The court also heard that investigators later intercepted a Toyota Venture allegedly used during the robbery. A search of the vehicle reportedly led to the recovery of Nedbank cash bags and plastic cash seals concealed beneath the seats.
The trial continues today (Monday).
