Online Reporter
Danisa Masuku, Court Reporter
THE key witness in the case in which thieves allegedly broke into a Nedbank branch in Bulawayo and stole about US$300 000 and R2,4 million, told the court that he could not remember anything relating to the much-publicised break-in.
In his testimony, Mr Abel Chuma gave what appeared to be immaterial evidence, telling the court that, on the day in question, he had travelled to Gwanda to look for gas cylinders.
When asked during cross-examination by prosecutor Mr Owen Mugari where he was and what he recalled about the day of the break-in, Mr Chuma said: “On the day the break-in occurred, I was in Gwanda to check for gas cylinders and the accused called me to ask whether I had found them.”
The accused Bhekani Mlilo’s lawyer, Mr Tawanda Tavengwa of Mvundla Tavengwa Solicitors, interjected, telling the court that Mr Chuma’s testimony was immaterial and did not assist the State’s case.
“Your Worship, the evidence of the key witness is immaterial to this case,” said Mr Tavengwa.
At the close of the State’s case, Mr Tavengwa applied for the accused to be discharged, with the court set to deliver its ruling on 30 September.
Mlilo, who is alleged to be the mastermind behind the break-in and the theft of nearly US$300 000 and more than R2,4 million as well as five gold coins, is appearing before Bulawayo regional magistrate Mr Mathew Mutiro.
He is facing charges of unlawful entry and theft in aggravating circumstances.
Mr Mugari told the court that Mlilo was allegedly in the company of Lovemore Gambiza, who has already been convicted and sentenced for his role in the break-in.
According to the State, on August 26, 2023 at about 1pm, the bank manager and other employees closed the premises after business hours, leaving the cash reserves and other valuables secured inside the vault.
The court heard that at around 1am 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 that they stole US$282 000 and more than R2,4 million as well as 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 scene.
The break-in was discovered later that morning when bank employees reported for duty and found the premises ransacked.
Police investigations led detectives to recover discarded tissue paper and cigarette butts allegedly left behind inside the bank during the break-in. The exhibits were submitted for forensic DNA analysis.
The court also heard that investigators intercepted a Toyota Venture allegedly used during the break-in. A search of the vehicle reportedly led to the recovery of Nedbank cash bags and plastic cash seals concealed beneath the seats.
