Nqobile Bhebhe
THE Bulawayo branch of Ecobank Group, a Pan-African financial services institution, reopened for business today, two months after being robbed of US$4 million.
Armed robbers targeted the Ecobank branch located at the corner of 9th Avenue and Fife Street in the Parkade Centre on 3 October.
Six masked men with pistols grabbed about five trunks supposedly filled with cash from a Safeguard truck in full view of members of the public and made a clean getaway.
Following the robbery, the branch had to temporarily close.
In a statement announcing the closure, the bank said: “We regret to inform you that our Parkade Branch will be temporarily closed on Friday, October 4, 2024, following the armed robbery incident that occurred on October 3, 2024. The safety and security of our customers and staff remain our utmost priority.
“During this closure, we encourage you to use our digital channels for all banking transactions. Please note that our online and mobile banking services are available for your convenience.
“For any in-branch services, please visit our Bradfield Branch located at Zonkizizwe Shopping Centre where our team will be ready to assist you,” reads the notice.
However, today the branch reopened its doors for business.
“We are pleased to announce that our Parkade Branch in Bulawayo will reopen tomorrow (today), December 2, 2024. We appreciate your patience and understanding during the temporary closure as we prioritised the safety and security of our customers and staff,” said the bank in a statement.
Onlookers passing outside the bank were seen casting curiously glances at the bank.
The dramatic and brazen display of criminality, which occurred in the heart of Bulawayo’s Central Business District, left people who were going about their normal business, shaken and businesses on high alert.
