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Sikhulekelani Moyo, mskhulekelani16@gmail.com
ECOBANK Zimbabwe has re-opened its Parkade branch to the banking public after two months of closure following a shocking incident, which saw six masked armed robberies make off with an estimated US$4 million.
The heist, which occurred on October 3, 2024, in the heart of Bulawayo’s Central Business District, left people who were going about their normal business, shaken and businesses on high alert.
In a notice to customers yesterday, Ecobank said: “We are pleased to announce that our Parkade Branch in Bulawayo will reopen tomorrow, (Monday) December 2, 2024.
“Our team has worked diligently to ensure the branch is ready to serve you again, and we look forward to welcoming you back.
“Please note that our digital channels remain available for easy, convenient, and secure banking.”
The bank was forced to close in a bid to give room for investigations and also to enhance security measures for the safety of employees and clients.
Contacted for comment, Ecobank managing director, Mr Moses Kurenjekwa, said their team is fully committed to maintaining a secure atmosphere for all who visit the branch.
“Following the recent armed robbery incident, we have implemented enhanced security measures, including increased surveillance, additional security personnel, and improved access controls to ensure a safe banking environment,” said Mr Kurenjekwa.
“We also encourage our customers to utilise our digital banking channels, which provide a convenient and secure alternative for transactions.
“Our commitment to customer safety and satisfaction is unwavering, and we will continue to keep our community informed of any further developments.”
The incident, regarded as the largest heist so far in Zimbabwe, saw six masked people disarming the security team, which was manning cash in transit vehicles, which were parked in front of the bank.
Two Safeguard vehicles were parked outside the Ecobank branch and security guards were loading cash boxes into one of the cars. — @SikhulekelaniM1
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