Social Media Reacts As Key Witness Says He Remembers Nothing About Nedbank Heist
Social media users have weighed in on the latest development in the Nedbank heist trial after a key witness told the court that he could not remember anything about the much-publicised break-in.
The testimony has drawn attention as the State’s case against Bhekani Mlilo reaches a crucial stage, with the accused now seeking to be discharged.
Key witness unable to provide details
A major point raised by the defence was the testimony of Abel Chuma, who was described as a key witness in the case.
According to The Chronicle, under cross-examination, Chuma told Bulawayo regional magistrate Mathew Mutiro that he could not remember anything significant about the Nedbank break-in.
His account instead centred on a trip to Gwanda, where he said he had gone to look for gas cylinders.
Chuma recalled only receiving a telephone call from Mlilo asking whether he had managed to find the cylinders.
Prosecutor Owen Mugari questioned Chuma about his whereabouts and recollection of the day of the break-in, but the witness did not provide evidence directly connecting Mlilo to the theft.
Mlilo’s lawyer, Tawanda Tavengwa of Mvundla Tavengwa Solicitors, subsequently challenged the value of the testimony.
“Your Worship, the evidence of the key witness is immaterial to this case,” Tavengwa told the court.
Defence seeks accused’s discharge
The State has since closed its case, allowing the defence to apply for Mlilo to be discharged.
Bulawayo regional magistrate Mathew Mutiro is expected to deliver his ruling on the application on 30 September.
Mlilo is facing charges of unlawful entry and theft in aggravating circumstances.
The prosecution alleges that he was the mastermind behind the theft of US$282 000, more than R2.4 million and five gold coins from the Nedbank branch in Bulawayo.
State outlines bank raid
The robbery took place in the early hours of 27 August 2023, after the bank had been closed and its cash reserves and valuables secured inside the vault.
According to the State, Mlilo and Lovemore Gambiza approached the bank from the eastern side before cutting through razor wire and scaling a precast wall.
They removed a metal burglar bar protecting a rear window and entered the premises.
Once inside, the pair allegedly forced open the server room before using a high-temperature gas-cutting torch to break through the Chubb vault.
The State revealed that the suspects removed the cash and gold coins before fleeing with the loot.
Gambiza has already been convicted and sentenced for his involvement in the break-in.
CCTV equipment taken
The prosecution further alleges that the suspects removed the bank’s Network Video Recorder in an attempt to prevent investigators from accessing CCTV footage.
The break-in was discovered when employees arrived for work later that morning and found the premises ransacked.
Police investigations subsequently led to the recovery of tissue paper and cigarette butts allegedly left inside the bank. The items were submitted for forensic DNA analysis.
Investigators also intercepted a Toyota Venture used during the robbery.
A search of the vehicle reportedly uncovered Nedbank cash bags and plastic cash seals concealed beneath the seats.
The court will rule on Mlilo’s application for discharge on 30 September.
The post Social Media Reacts As Key Witness Says He Remembers Nothing About Nedbank Heist appeared first on iHarare News.
