A witness, who refused to identify herself, said the depositors were waiting in a queue outside the bank in central Harare when a quarrel broke out with the manager at Allied Bank, one of several battling to pay out deposits.
"The bank manager confronted a customer in the queue who shouted at the manager querying where their money had gone," the witness said.
"The people got angry and started shouting at the manager and kicked the door of the banking hall where the manager had retreated. They scattered when a (bank) security (guard) fired teargas."
Another witness said he heard angry shouts and some thuds while he was standing across the road.
When AFP went to the scene, riot police were milling around the area, while shards of glass were strewn at the bank entrance.
Allied Bank chief executive Stephen Gwasira apologised for the incident blaming it on "prevailing cash shortages" and said the bank was "making aggressive efforts to address the challenges".
The bank is among several battling to stay afloat as Zimbabwe's economy continues on a downturn and the number of people still able to put savings in the bank are dwindling.
In recent weeks the bank has been limiting daily cash withdrawals to US$50 resulting in queues at most of the bank's branches.
Source: AFP via I-Net Bridge
For more than two decades, I-Net Bridge has been one of South Africa’s preferred electronic providers of innovative solutions, data of the highest calibre, reliable platforms and excellent supporting systems. Our products include workstations, web applications and data feeds packaged with in-depth news and powerful analytical tools empowering clients to make meaningful decisions.
We pride ourselves on our wide variety of in-house skills, encompassing multiple platforms and applications. These skills enable us to not only function as a first class facility, but also design, implement and support all our client needs at a level that confirms I-Net Bridge a leader in its field.
Go to: http://www.inet.co.za
