Police blame insider leaks for rise in armed robberies

POLICE have attributed the recent spate of armed robberies targeting businesses across the country to insider information leaks, saying criminals are often tipped off about large sums of money kept at company premises.

On Wednesday, suspected armed robbers raided a Mukuru outlet in Bulawayo and escaped with more than US$70 000 and R500 000 in cash.

The robbery reportedly occurred during business hours at the Mukuru Jason Moyo Street branch in the city centre.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the problem is not confined to Bulawayo but is affecting the entire country.

“Robbery cases are occurring in all parts of the country, it’s not just Bulawayo only,” he said.
Comm Nyathi dismissed suggestions that Bulawayo has become a specific hotspot for organised robbery syndicates, saying the fight against armed robbery is a countrywide effort.

“All the provinces in the country are hotspots in terms of the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s fight against armed robbery cases,” he said.

Comm Nyathi said statistics on armed robbery cases in Bulawayo would be released soon once police complete their analysis.

“We are engaging our statistics department for armed robbery cases. The statistics will be ready by March 9, 2026,” he said.

Comm Nyathi urged businesses to strengthen security at their premises by engaging professional security services.
“Most companies have commercial security, which provides 24-hour guard duties, and it is their responsibility to secure their clients’ assets. The ZRP conducts general patrols in central business districts, residential areas and industrial areas,” he said.

Comm Nyathi said police were adequately equipped to deal with organised robbery syndicates but raised concern over the leakage of information by company employees. He cited the Mukuru robbery in which suspects allegedly struck after learning that money had been received the previous day and kept overnight at the premises.

“For instance, in this case, money was received the previous day and kept overnight. The criminals pounced on Wednesday as one of the managers was arriving at work,” he said.

“It is clear that this was pre-planned by someone with knowledge of the company’s financial and security set-up. The robbery occurred at 7.08AM when employees were arriving for work.”

Comm Nyathi said the Commissioner-General Stephen Mutamba has established provincial crack teams tasked with tackling armed robbery cases across the country.

Comm Nyathi said the specialised teams are working to dismantle organised criminal networks responsible for robberies targeting businesses and cash-handling institutions.

He added that police are also working closely with the judiciary to ensure that suspects arrested for armed robbery are prosecuted swiftly.

Security experts urged businesses to tighten security measures.

Nokel Security public relations officer Mr Benson Dube said companies should adopt layered security systems to minimise the risk of robbery, particularly when handling large sums of money.

He said installing modern surveillance systems such as closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and panic buttons was critical in ensuring rapid response during emergencies.

“Businesses that deal with cash should invest in visible and functional security infrastructure. CCTV cameras act as both a deterrent and an investigative tool, while panic buttons enable staff to discreetly alert security personnel or law enforcement in the event of a robbery,” said Mr Dube.

He added that employing well-trained and professional security personnel was equally important.

“Security guards should not simply be stationed at premises for appearance’s sake. They must be properly trained to detect suspicious behaviour, manage access points and respond swiftly when a threat arises,” said Mr Dube.

Mr Wilson Sibanda of SAF-Custodia Security Services in Bulawayo said companies must also strengthen internal controls by limiting the number of employees with knowledge of cash movements.

“One of the most common weaknesses criminals exploit is leaked information. Companies must ensure that sensitive details about cash movements are only shared with a limited number of trusted staff members,” he said.

Mr Sibanda also urged businesses to design premises with safe escape routes and secure areas where employees can retreat during robberies.

“Having clear escape routes and safe rooms can help protect staff during robberies. Businesses should also regularly review their security procedures and conduct drills so employees know how to respond during emergencies,” he said.