Armed Robber akatsenga Dandy before US$4 Million H...

Armed Robber akatsenga Dandy before US$4 Million Heist

Zim Now Writer

The already dramatic Bulawayo cash-in-transit heist took a bizarre turn on Thursday afternoon when one of the armed robbers stopped for a quick mid-heist snack. Just moments before unloading millions from a Safeguard Security vehicle, the masked suspect surprised a street vendor by removing his disguise to purchase chewing gum.

The unnamed vendor, speaking to ZTN Prime, recounted the surreal encounter. "He walked up to me, silent except for a few mumbled words as he bought his gum," she said. "Then, not even five minutes later, I see him hauling boxes out of the Safeguard van! When the guns came out, I grabbed my things and ran for cover. Though he barely spoke, I'd recognize him in a heartbeat."

This bizarre chewing gum incident adds another layer of mystery to the brazen daytime robbery. Six armed men, sporting bucket hats and wielding AK-47s, made off with a reported US$4 million from an Ecobank branch. Witnesses captured the scene on video, showing the robbers calmly loading cash-filled boxes into a white Ford Ranger before speeding away.

Police suspect an inside job, citing the seemingly coordinated nature of the heist. However, the investigation faces potential roadblocks. Zimbabwe Republic Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed initial estimates place the stolen amount at US$4 million, but also revealed a worrying detail: the Central Investigations Department's crack teams, often deployed for major crimes, are currently grounded due to a lack of fuel for their vehicles.

Despite these challenges, authorities are adamant that justice will be served. "The law will take its course without fear or favor," Commissioner Nyathi declared. As the investigation continues, police are questioning bank and Safeguard staff late into the night.