New Zim dollar floods black market

Following images circulating online of brand new banknotes on the black market, Zimbabweans reacted with outrage and anger as they accused the monetary authorities of being disingenuous. Weary Zimbabweans who are having to endure long bank queues in order to get $300 per week could not understand how illegal foreign currency dealers could get access to sealed bricks of brand new notes.

The outrage was so much that the government acknowledged the issued. President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s presidential spokesperson George Charamba claimed that the money had actually been laundered.  He did not give more details on how this occured although he promised that the Reserve Bank would update the nation later on today.

Giving an update on social media site Twitter, under his handle @Jamwanda2, Charamba said,

Following images of crispy notes on twitter, allegedly offloaded onto the black market, investigations are in full swing, with facts on the veracity of this development set to be known and shared. Concern about this development has been raised at the highest level.

Half an hour later Charamba returned with another update saying,

LATEST ON LAUNDERED NOTES: Have just spoken to the RBZ Governor who has indicated the Central Bank investigations are now complete. The Central Bank will issue a statement before long, certainly before close of day. I thank alert Zimbabweans who exposed this racket.

The Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services on the other hand added,

Govt through the @ReserveBankZIM is investigating allegations of abuse of newly released banknotes. Cash was collected by banks using their CIT vehicles on Monday. All serial numbers were recorded in the register. The offending banks will be named and severe action taken.

Below are some of the reactions from furious Zimbabweans which the government reacted to the situation,

As usually anticipated, the New (not new) notes have found their way to the black market before reaching banks. ED’s son, Mutsvangwa’s son and the cartels will work. ATMs will not work. Simple. – @SteveZwitter

It should read: “RBZ injects $30 million into blackmarket…..” Kubhejera bhiza rinenhumbu WeZhira! Hapana hapana. I’m sure by now you must have noted some shocking activities in this administration that gvn a choice u want let it go. But makagadha ngwe bambo. Hapaburukiki! – Vee Save

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