Hundreds of remittance recipients in Masvingo found themselves stranded and cashless on Monday when Mukuru, Zimbabwe’s largest international money transfer agent, suddenly ran out of cash — turning a routine payday into a real-life treasure hunt.
Scenes of frustration and confusion unfolded as beneficiaries, many from nearby Morgenster and Zimuto, roamed from one Mukuru outlet to another like modern-day prospectors searching for elusive gold. Some were reportedly so desperate that bus fare and even money for food became casualties of the cash crisis.
Maria Zimuto, visibly vexed, lamented, “This is poor management. They should’ve used technology instead of making us waste our time on a wild goose chase.” Meanwhile, Tilda, who had hoped to withdraw funds for construction materials, described the predicament as “shocking and disappointing,” wondering how a giant company like Mukuru could run out of cash in the 21st century. “Did their ATM get stage fright?” she joked.
Mukuru eventually issued a statement blaming a “temporary logistical issue affecting CIT cash disbursements,” assuring customers that the disruption lasted only about two hours before cash flow resumed. “We apologise for the inconvenience and promise this won’t happen again — unless the cash gets stage fright once more,” they quipped.
By evening, the main Mukuru outlet at N. Richards Hardware was buzzing with staff working overtime, some rumored to have been fueled by copious amounts of coffee, to serve the long line of customers. Reports suggest service extended into the night, with customers relieved but still half-expecting a surprise plot twist in this cash saga.
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