According to some reports long before people could finally withdraw their deposits on Tuesday, the new currency notes released by the RBZ had already flooded the streets. Social media was awash with images of illegal traders proudly showing off wads of the new $2 and $5 notes.

This has apparently incensed the monetary authorities who have promised to investigate:

We have launched an investigation and banks that will be found guilty will be heavily penalised.

Our task has been made easier because some notes we are seeing on social media have serial numbers.

RBZ Governor speaking to the Zim-Morning-Post

The mysterious link between banks and illegal dealers

There have always been allegations that some illegal forex dealers have connections to banks. Some go as far as to say they are buying on behalf of certain banks who are buying on behalf of their customers for a commission.

This latest incident is certainly going to add fuel to those rumours.