Chronicle Editor
Bruce Ndlovu, Sunday News Reporter
When Thabani Dube set up his vendor stall outside Parkade Centre in Bulawayo on Thursday morning, he had no idea that he would witness what could be the biggest armed robbery in Zimbabwean history, just a few metres away.
Dube, who has spent the last eight years selling sweets, chewing gum, airtime, and various other items outside the centre, was caught off guard when seven men suddenly jumped out of their vehicle and attacked Safeguard Security guards, making off with an astonishing US$4,4 million that was being collected from Ecobank.
At first, Dube didn’t realise a robbery was unfolding. He thought the security company was conducting a meticulously planned drill.
“The robbers arrived in a single cab white van and blocked the cash-in-transit security van. And with lightning speed, brandishing assault rifles, they advanced towards the back of the van at the entrance of the bank. It hadn’t registered in my mind that a robbery was taking place,” he told Sunday News.
“I could not move. I just sat there, and for a moment, I thought it was a drill. I then quickly realised a robbery was underway, and I froze. You always see people in movies witnessing robberies, but I don’t think films can truly capture the shock experienced in those situations.
“It’s something you cannot explain. The guys were big and strong, hardly recognisable with face masks and hats on. From my side, I saw them casually dragging and loading heavy steel safes.”
“One of them actually put down his rifle, and summoned all his strength to load the heavy safe onto the back of their truck. For another moment, it occurred in my mind that if shots were fired, people, including me, could actually die,” he further narrated.
Throughout the ordeal, Dube remained frozen in his chair, fearful that the robbers might perceive him as a threat, just as witnesses often meet grim fates in Hollywood movies. In his petrified state, he dared not look directly at any of the armed gang.
“In about two minutes, it was over, and they sped away. I was very relieved. I counted that there were seven men.
Five at the back, then the driver and another one in front,” he said.
Reflecting on the incident, Dube noted that there was something unusual about the manner in which the Safeguard cash-in-transit van was parked.
“Typically, their vehicle would park parallel to the bank, but this time it was backed up to the entrance. It was different from the vans we usually see, but I didn’t think much of it because I am not familiar with security protocols,” he said.
CCTV footage released after the robbery showed how swiftly the armed men executed their plan. Within 149 seconds, they had jumped from their Ford Ranger single cab, subdued the guards, and started loading heavy safe boxes filled with cash into their getaway vehicle before dashing off.
The robbery was audacious, occurring at one of the busiest intersections in Bulawayo, at the corner of 9th Avenue and Fife Street, only a stone’s throw from the offices of the Chronicle and Sunday News, and just two streets away from Bulawayo Central Police Station.
In the aftermath, Dube was left shell-shocked. The lunch he had bought from a nearby takeaway grew cold beside him, as he couldn’t stomach the thought of eating. Since that day, he has repeatedly relived those 149 seconds, as friends and relatives want his eyewitness account.
“My wife was worried I might have been harmed during the robbery, but I assured her that the robbers had no interest in me. They looked relaxed and did not appear intent on harming anyone. Others were less concerned about my safety; they just want me to recount what I saw. I am now tired of retelling the same story and have started ignoring some calls,” he said.
Yesterday (Saturday), Dube was back at his usual spot, selling his goods, while curious onlookers passed by pointing at the bank. Life has changed dramatically since the heist, with Ecobank’s closure rendering a usually vibrant area quiet.
A notice on the bank’s entrance read: “We are deeply concerned about this event and are actively working with local law enforcement to ensure thorough investigations. The safety and security of our customers and staff remain our utmost priority. We have taken immediate measures to enhance security and response protocols across all our branches.
We understand that incidents of this nature may raise concerns among our customers regarding safety and security, and we assure you that all necessary protocols are in place to protect your funds and personal information.”
On Friday, Safeguard Security Services released a statement claiming they had not been informed about the pick-up of such a significant amount of cash from the bank.
“The recent cash heist in Bulawayo outside Ecobank highlights the serious risks associated with cash holding and movement, which we frequently publish. We remind all customers of their responsibility to operate within their contracted limits for cash movement and to communicate with us if a cash movement is out of the ordinary.
A four-million-dollar transaction poses a significant risk and exceeds any contracted limits for Safeguard and likely the security industry across Africa,” the statement read.
Bongani Ndlovu