Online Reporter
Peter Matika [email protected]
MORE than US$64 000 and R1 000 have been stolen in a wave of armed robberies targeting small businesses and cash collection centres in Bulawayo this week alone, prompting police and business players to strengthen collaboration in combating organised crime.
The robberies, which occurred in Emganwini, Cowdray Park and Bulawayo’s central business district between July 13 and 17, have heightened concern over the growing targeting of cash collection operators by armed criminal syndicates.
Addressing a stakeholder engagement meeting with business players in Bulawayo on Friday, Officer Commanding Bulawayo Province, Commissioner Jasper Chizemo, described the meeting as a crucial platform for developing practical solutions to curb armed robberies rather than assigning blame.
“This is a monumental meeting meant to share notes on how we can, together, effectively prevent and combat the scourge of armed robberies.
“The meeting is not about blame apportioning, but rather it is about solution generation,” said Comm Chizemo.
“I would like to thank all the agents for heeding our invitation. Your attendance demonstrates your unwavering commitment to work with the police in preventing and combating not only armed robberies but crime in general.
Like we always say, policing is a shared responsibility.”
Within five days, armed robbers struck three separate cash collection-related businesses across the city.
On July 13, two armed suspects raided a mobile money booth at Emganwini Shopping Centre, escaping with US$2 000, Econet airtime worth US$307 and NetOne airtime valued at US$280.
Three days later, armed robbers targeted another mobile money outlet in Cowdray Park as employees were closing for the day, stealing US$8 653, R1 000 and two mobile phones used for transactions before locking workers and a customer inside an office and fleeing.
The biggest robbery occurred on July 17 when four armed men stormed a cash collection centre along Fort Street in Bulawayo’s central business district while 16 cashiers were reconciling the day’s collections.
The gang reportedly ordered employees to lie on the floor at gunpoint before escaping with approximately US$53 000 in cash.
Comm Chizemo said the incidents reflected a worrying trend in which organised criminal gangs deliberately targeted cash collection agents because of the large volumes of cash they handled.
“You bring banking services to the people’s doorsteps and for that we salute you. It is, therefore, worrying when you become targets of armed robbers,” he said.
He revealed that from January 1 to July 23 this year, Bulawayo Province had recorded 38 armed robbery cases, with 21 targeting business premises, eight occurring at residential properties and nine at other locations.
“We have observed that these robbers closely monitor the activities of cash agents before planning their attacks, and in many cases insiders provide critical information. They operate in groups of at least two, often wearing masks, and are armed with firearms, knives and machetes. They target cash, airtime and cellphones and frequently use getaway vehicles,” said Comm Chizemo.
He said investigations had established that the criminals often struck during opening or closing hours when businesses were most vulnerable.
Comm Chizemo said police have since intensified operations to dismantle armed robbery syndicates operating in Bulawayo.
“As police, let me assure you that we will never brook and allow criminals and their syndicates to terrorise our communities with impunity while we watch. We’re descending hard on them to ensure they are brought to justice and account for their criminal actions,” he said.
Police have already increased patrols in crime hotspots, strengthened intelligence gathering on organised criminal groups and illegal firearms, deployed specialised crack teams and intensified community policing and crime awareness campaigns.
Comm Chizemo urged cash handling agents to improve cash management practices by banking frequently, avoiding predictable routines and reducing the amount of cash kept on business premises.
He also encouraged operators to install closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, alarm systems and panic buttons, while ensuring business premises were well lit and cash was not counted in full view of customers.
Comm Chizemo said police investigations had also revealed that some robberies were being facilitated through insider information and urged business operators to prioritise their safety during robberies.
“Always ensure your safety first. Never try to resist armed robbers because they will not think twice before killing you. Life is more important than money or property because once life is lost, it can never be recovered,” he said.
Comm Chizemo vowed that police would relentlessly pursue armed robbery syndicates and called for continued cooperation between the police, small businesses and the public, saying timely reporting of suspicious activities and strengthened partnerships remained key to protecting lives and Bulawayo’s economy.
