Trial opens in Bulawayo Nedbank US$300 000 heist case

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, opened on Wednesday before the Bulawayo regional court.

Bhekani Mlilo of Emganwini suburb appeared before 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, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The State opened its case by calling its first witness, Mr Khulani Sibanda, who told the court that he could not clearly remember the events surrounding the case.

“It has been a long time since the case happened and I cannot vividly recall what happened. What I remember is that the accused used to come quite often to my workstation and would park his car,” said Sibanda.

Prosecuting, Mr Mugari told the court that Mlilo allegedly 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 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 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.

Police investigations led detectives to recover discarded tissue papers 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 robbery. A search of the vehicle reportedly led to the recovery of Nedbank cash bags and plastic cash seals concealed beneath the seats.

The matter continues on Thursday.